Rhaegar knew he couldn't afford to be careless. The stranger's recent victory was proof enough of his extraordinary swordsmanship. And he didn't seem to be a bloodthirsty brute—Jaime hadn't had his tendons severed, only flesh wounds. Seeing that the elder son couldn't become a Kingsguard seemed to have made Prime Minister Tywin visibly relieved.
The sun had already dipped low, its setting rays stretching their shadows, overlapping them until they were long and intertwined. Rhaegar focused. The Dark Sister in the stranger's hand reflected a dark, golden light—the tip of the sword still stained with a bit of Jaime's blood. He was actually using the Targaryen family sword with such ease, as if he wanted to become the heir of Queen Visenya—
Am I going mad?
However, in Rhaegar's mind, the figure of the Silver-haired Queen vaguely emerged elegantly from behind the stranger. Her face was both clear and blurry, familiar and strange. Her slender fingers caressed the sword, gesturing towards him. His beloved, longed-for lover, the secret thought he couldn't touch, a distant dream.
Is this magic or witchcraft? Trying to see through my heart?
The Crown Prince took off his Black Iron Helmet and threw it down heavily! Did the sound of the metal hitting the ground break the illusion? A breeze stirred a strand of his unbound silver hair, and he tightly pursed his lips, breathing evenly, not letting the inexplicable reverie race in his heart, affecting his judgment—Calm, calm. He told himself he was a warrior, protecting what he loved.
Pure fighting spirit ignited in his purple eyes, like Dragonflame sweeping across the plains.
Viserys's heart was beating even faster than his. He was completely intoxicated by the joy and excitement of being so close to his brother, his eyes gazing at Rhaegar. Seeing his brother's aura become serious, he thought, Here we go!
He gripped Dark Sister tightly. The balance of this sword was further back than Blackfyre, allowing him to easily point the tip at his target. Viserys was aiming at the three Rubies on his brother's armor.
Rhaegar calmly assessed his opponent's weaknesses: no armor, low defense. But he instinctively didn't want to use a powerful defensive parry. His left foot forward, his wrists crossed, he raised his sword to his eyebrows—able to both block a slash and take a step forward to thrust.
Viserys attacked! Dark Sister thrust! Rhaegar met the attack head-on! He stepped diagonally to the right, blocking the sword to the left! The force was immense!
Viserys knew his brother was seizing the opportunity to counter-thrust. He quickly rotated his blade, using the strong part of the sword to knock aside the other Valyrian Steel Sword, successfully dodging.
Rhaegar smoothly changed his footwork, changing his sword path, and pursued with a curved strike.
Viserys stepped diagonally to the right, aiming to flick at his brother's wrist, then turned to raise his sword high, the blade tilted back forty degrees. He slashed downwards, luring his brother to attack him.
Rhaegar quickly stepped forward. At the moment of the clash, the sword tip drew a perfect halo above his head. Viserys's sword was blocked, but they were both using the strong parts of their blades. Neither could parry the other's sword—
In swordsmanship terms, this was called "sticky swords."
Rhaegar judged that the swordsman opposite him wasn't as strong as he was. He continued to press down hard on his opponent's sword—Viserys was certainly weaker than his brother. Viserys quickly yielded, allowing his sword to be pushed aside by his brother. His steps were light and graceful, like a dance, as he retreated, moving out of range.
Rhaegar felt strange. Why hadn't this supposed master taken advantage of the moment when his control over the sword was weak to launch a quick attack from the side?
He also sheathed his sword, quietly watching his opponent.
Meanwhile, the people watching from below were dazzled by the exchange between the two swordsmen. Their speed was beyond imagination! The beauty of their movements was like they were stepping on the rhythm of a dance! The Crown Prince's black armor was gilded by the setting sun, and so were their swords. The dazzling golden light represented extreme sharpness and danger, weaving into a net with the clashing sounds, capturing the audience, making them both frightened and overwhelmed—now that they had finally paused and slowed, some people's legs went weak, and some couldn't help but rub their eyes.
Viserys was already covered in a thin layer of sweat. How exhilarating! His brother's imposing presence was overwhelming! A dragon spitting fire! Yet, he was also able to retract and release at will, as steady as a mountain when still. He gazed at Rhaegar, who stood silently with his sword, with reverence. The swordsman, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, was a god in the mortal world! The Ruby on his chest reflected a magnificent light! He thought frantically, his brother should never shed another drop of blood in his life! He wouldn't allow it!
"Your Grace!" The disguised voice was hoarse and deep, "With such superb swordsmanship, I believe there's a weapon that suits you even better—it should belong to the valiant you!"
Under the gaze of everyone, this person reached out and unfastened another longsword that had been on his back! When the linen cloth wrapped around the sword and hilt was torn off and thrown away, many people gasped!! Barristan was one of them! And King Aerys on the stands almost leaned forward and fell!
A dark sword, a Valyrian Steel Sword with a large Ruby embedded in the hilt. On the portraits of generations of Targaryen kings, it was the protagonist of the weapons they held: the ancestral sword, Blackfyre.
Viserys threw himself directly towards his brother.
Rhaegar reached out and caught him steadily. But the flames in his purple eyes burned brighter, as if ten thousand horses were thundering in his heart----a sword! A Valyrian Steel Sword! The two swords that Viserys had been yearning to find!! They had just appeared!!
His brother, where would he be?!
He hadn't taken the steel sword he'd given him as a birthday present----Viserys! The purpose of his journey!! He said he would be back with him soon!
Blood surged, pounding in his eardrums, and he could hear his own rapid, strong heartbeat. He felt as if he were standing before a door----needing only to push it open, just a gentle push!! The silver-haired Targaryen lover hidden in the arena would appear! He would lift the corners of his lips and reach out to him with open arms!
"It is my honor," Rhaegar said calmly, "Please----"
He switched swords. Viserys was dazzled, thinking that his brother's Ruby and Black Iron Helmet, really were a perfect match for Blackfyre.
The duel began again to the astonishment of the audience! Rhaegar's attacks were fiercer; holding Blackfyre, he slashed with precision. Viserys raised Dark Sister to defend again and again, stepping back and forth, looking for a chance to counterattack----
Rhaegar parried.
Blackfyre and Dark Sister clashed, a clear, even sound, neither damaged.
Viserys quickly thrust, then defended.
Rhaegar immediately went on the offensive, attacking again and again, shifting from clashes to thrusts with effortless grace. What an incredible swordsmanship duel! A match for these rare ancestral blades! The excited soul burst with brilliance!
After another indecisive exchange, Rhaegar straightened his arm, his sword tip pointing at his opponent's face.
Viserys couldn't help but touch his own cheek – he judged that his brother was starting to suspect.
Very well, he thought excitedly.
Facing the pressure of Blackfyre, Viserys used Dark Sister to strike at the weak point of Blackfyre's blade, deflecting the sword – Rhaegar's eyes flashed! He saw that his opponent's target was his sword rather than harming him personally, which further confirmed the guess in his heart!
Rhaegar pressed closer, and Viserys slipped to the side, like a fish! Rhaegar thrust in the opposite direction!!
The world seemed to slow down under the focus of purple eyes—Rhaegar held his breath, using all his finesse—he controlled the tip of his longsword as if the feather's wingtip touched Viserys's face. The evening wind blew, lightly leaving a shallow scratch on the sallow face.
The skin broke. There was no bleeding.
Viserys knew he could no longer hide. He quickly stepped to the side, avoiding Blackfyre, and stood firm.
Then, Rhaegar heard his opponent call out softly in a different voice, "Brother!"
He was in a daze. Was this his brother's voice? No longer a child, familiar yet unfamiliar—blood surged towards his heart, and for a moment, the crown prince could only stand still, unresponsive.
"Brother!" Viserys said again, clearly. Seeing Rhaegar motionless, he blinked, simply sheathed his sword, and tore off his disguise! "Brother!! I'm back!!"
The entire arena erupted in an uproar!!
That Northern squire, who had been holding his own against the Crown Prince, suddenly changed! His hair was the same silver as the Crown Prince's! He shouted "Rhaegar, brother!!"
Viserys?!
Rhaegar struggled to focus, gazing at the handsome young man before him: a high, arched nose, well-defined lips, familiar yet strange features. Those smiling, purple eyes were like the deepest pools, drawing him in, making him dizzy! It was him! The one he'd longed for!!
The next moment, he strode forward, embracing his dashing younger brother tightly, as if trying to merge him into his very being!
Viserys was equally excited, holding his brother close. He could finally stand on his tiptoes, his head resting on his brother's shoulder!! He rubbed against him like a big, silver-furred cat—he smelled the faint, sweet scent of Dragon's Breath, mixed with the hot, rapid breaths of his brother. He was thrilled and intoxicated, greedily seeking more intimacy.
Viserys got his wish as Rhaegar's lips met his. His brother kissed his hair, temples, and eyes, like raindrops! They embraced tightly, their silver hair flowing through each other's hands, their heads buried together, entwined!
Viserys's body was almost embedded within the Black Iron Helmet. The Crown Prince held his long-lost brother tightly, kissing him with excitement. No one in the audience thought this was inappropriate! The missing little prince had returned! The Crown Prince, who had been searching for him, was naturally overjoyed! Having witnessed the exquisite duel with the two legendary Valyrian Steel Swords, the assembled nobles and knights even began to cheer enthusiastically, "Rhaegar! Rhaegar!!" "Viserys! Viserys!!!"
Of course, some people were so shocked that they could have swallowed an egg. Like the Stark family, and like Robert and Jaime Lannister, who, despite their wounds, refused to leave.
"Seven Gods!" Robert exclaimed in surprise. "The boy's grown up! And his swordsmanship is so strong!"
King Aerys in the stands realized his youngest son had returned! He had defeated Tywin Lannister's heir with his superb swordsmanship!! And he even brought back the two missing Targaryen family swords!! The Mad King laughed heartily, clapping his hands, completely satisfied! He immediately announced that Viserys would be knighted.
Viserys didn't have time to respond to his father. He was passionately kissing his brother Rhaegar—he happily kissed his trembling chin. He used kisses to express his love and longing for his brother, kissing all the way to the Black Iron Helmet's collar, even the Ruby three-headed dragon on his chest. He held his brother's hand tightly, his hand touching his lips, and he knelt before his brother on one knee, declaring his oath and kissing him, "Today, I hold Dark Sister, and I pledge my loyalty to the new master of the family sword Blackfyre, Rhaegar Targaryen. Like Visenya faithfully guarded King Aegon. Like the Dragonknight Aemon—"
Rhaegar covered his lips, refusing to let him compare himself to Aemon. He wouldn't allow it—his beloved brother was the flame of the kingdom, its most dazzling pride! He loved him! He would never let his brother suffer like Aemon, unable to have the object of his affection! He kissed his forehead again, embracing him and pressing him against his chest—their hearts were beating wildly, he lowered his head, rubbing his forehead against Viserys's, the tenderness in his purple eyes as if to drown him: "My dearest Viserys, I will defend you and protect you, cherish you for all my life, until death do us part."
Night fell, and hundreds upon hundreds of candles were lit in the hall of Harrenhal, seeming even brighter than during the ball. King Aerys personally knighted his youngest son. He wore a red and black robe, a magnificent golden crown on his head, and stared at Viserys with satisfaction—
He had defeated Tywin Lannister's proud heir, which was enough to make him feel good. A Targaryen Dragonspawn! Above all families!
During the ceremony, the King touched the knight's shoulders and chest with his own golden dragon sword—his hands trembling as if he could barely hold it. Viserys breathed a sigh of relief. This Aerys, at least, wouldn't ask Rhaegar for Blackfyre, would he? Did he have any shame? What a waste!
He gazed at his brother standing beside him, thinking that Blackfyre and Dark Sister were originally a pair, supporting each other, building honor together, and founding a dynasty!
He loudly recited the oath:
I swear to help my brother knights.
I swear to treat my friends sincerely.
I swear to be devoted to those I love until death.
The youngest knight was born. However, some of the nobles present at the ceremony thought of the last person of this age who was knighted, who had initiated a rebellion that shook the dynasty.
As if to cooperate with their concerns, the ceremony ended, and Viserys hadn't had time to test whether the king considered him qualified to be a Kingsguard—
Aerys again issued a second, unquestionable order: Viserys, was invested as the Prince of Summerhall.
Well, wanting to be an unwed Kingsguard, that wouldn't be allowed by the King now. This could only be used to screw over Tywin.
Viserys actually became a prince before his brother Rhaegar. What did this mean? More people on the scene began to think wildly. And Crown Prince Rhaegar felt from the bottom of his heart that his father had finally done something sensible. He was without any reservations, and couldn't contain his joy as he looked at his younger brother.
Viserys gave him a helpless smile. His beloved younger brother, struggling with the matter of first being made a prince. Rhaegar wanted to kiss him, to tell him that the Summerhall retreat had already been renovated and expanded under his arrangements, no longer the broken walls after the fire, but a residence that would suit his younger brother's heart! He would play the harp for him in the verdant courtyard, they would talk about everything, from national affairs and reforms to their deep concern for each other, with a large banyan tree above their heads like a canopy, sheltering a wonderful world for only the two of them.
...
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"Game of Thrones: Dragon Prince"
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"My Sister And I are in The Apocalypse"
(End Chapter)