Inside the metal carriage, Rhaegar looked at Daenerys, her arms intertwined with Cadmus's, with a calm gaze. Even though he was a bit slow in such matters, he finally understood why his mother had brought Daenerys along.
However, Rhaegar was neither angry nor even bothered. In his eyes, Cadmus was worthy of being Daenerys's husband; his sister deserved a great man as a spouse. Cadmus was perfect for the role in his view.
"Cadmus, I expect a formal marriage proposal," Rhaegar said in a calm tone. Although he didn't mind Daenerys's relationship with Cadmus, the mage still had to marry his sister. After all, he had to look out for his sister's reputation.
"I know. I was going to make the proposal in the morning, but Lady Kinvara's arrival disrupted the plans a bit." Cadmus was certainly not against the marriage. While he didn't care much for his own reputation, he valued Daenerys's.
Rhaegar showed a satisfied look; as he expected, Cadmus was a decisive man.
Kinvara, sitting beside the King, looked at Cadmus and then at Daenerys. She narrowed her eyes, hiding a fanatical and reverent gaze as she looked at the princess beside the mage. The Red Priestess's heart beat faster than ever. How could she not be excited before the Champion of Light chosen by the Red God himself?
She wanted to kneel and kiss Daenerys's feet, but with so many people around, she remained calm and suppressed that feeling of reverence. Even Cadmus noticed nothing wrong with Kinvara; the woman had centuries of life behind her and was a master at masking her own intentions and feelings.
"Congratulations on your engagement, my princess. May the flames bring you hope and love," Kinvara said with a graceful smile on her lips. Her ruby-red eyes gazed at the fourteen-year-old girl—nearly fifteen—with a gentle look.
"Thank you for the kind words, Lady Kinvara." Daenerys also hadn't expected her King to accept so readily. However, she was more than happy at this moment. Even the jealousy she felt toward Kinvara vanished.
She was simply happy that her brother had accepted so quickly and without complicating things. After all, she was a princess and an excellent partner for securing allies in this civil war.
Despite being mature for her age, Daenerys forgot that she was now a Dragon Rider. With the lesson of the Dance of the Dragons in mind, Rhaegar would never give her hand to just any lord. Although Cadmus was not of House Targaryen, he and Cadmus had a non-aggression pact.
Cadmus would never attack House Targaryen, just as House Targaryen would never attack House Peverell. The two houses could be allies for thousands of years without any problem. Although this gave great power to House Peverell, Rhaegar didn't mind.
As long as whoever sat on the Iron Throne had Targaryen blood and the Targaryen name, he didn't give a damn how powerful House Peverell became. If it were possible to receive a bit of Cadmus's magical heritage, it would be even better.
"Congratulations, Dany," Lyanna said with a look of genuine and happy joy. She could see that Daenerys was quite happy with the future engagement. The Queen couldn't help but think that Daenerys was truly lucky to marry whom she wanted.
How many women had that luxury? If it weren't for Rhaegar, she herself would have married Robert, something she deeply loathed. She would never have been happy with that unfaithful and arrogant man.
"Congratulations, Dany," Elia also congratulated Daenerys in a happy tone. Although she had wanted Daenerys to marry Trystane to strengthen the alliance between House Martell and House Targaryen, seeing how happy the girl was, she gave up the idea and congratulated her.
"Congratulations, my daughter," Rhaella also congratulated her daughter. Unlike herself, who had married out of duty, her daughter would marry for love, a luxury few women in this world ever had the chance to experience.
Daenerys accepted all the congratulations with a smile on her face while squeezing Cadmus's arm tighter, her eyes more radiant than ever.
In the Red Keep, in the Great Hall
While sitting on the Iron Throne, Rhaegar looked at Kinvara and the dozens of Red Priestesses. Some of these women held banners with the sigil of the Red Faith. Obviously, Kinvara was already adapting to the customs of Westeros. After all, in Essos, there were no family crests, only personal sigils or those of mercenary groups.
In the Great Hall, there were also the ministers of Rhaegar's Small Council: Raymun Darry, the Hand of the King; Jon Connington, Master of Whisperers; the Master of Coin, Petyr Baelish; Paxter Redwyne, the Master of Laws; and Gerold Hightower, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
As for the Master of Ships and the Grand Maester, the former was protecting the seas of Westeros, while the latter had accidentally fallen down the stairs and unfortunately died just a few days after Queen Rhaella returned to the Red Keep.
(Note: Petyr Baelish is the Master of Coin because he is talented, and unlike during Robert's reign, Littlefinger did not dare embezzle funds from the Royal Treasury, as Rhaegar is very serious when it comes to money.)
"Your Grace, I come to Westeros with a request," Kinvara spoke in a respectful tone. She looked at the King on the Iron Throne and continued. "The people need the warm and gentle embrace of R'hllor; only then can they enter the kingdom of God after death."
"I wish to initiate a religious host and make a pilgrimage across the entire continent of Westeros." Kinvara's words caused several people to show quite unpleasant expressions.
Although it might seem that the Faith of the Seven was popular, few nobles, like House Hightower, were truly religious. No one liked paying tithes to the Faith of the Seven, let alone to a foreign religion.
"I understand Your Excellency's mission, but will the customs of Westeros be respected?" Rhaegar asked in a calm tone. Although he wanted to accept and let the Faith of the Seven and the Red Faith tear each other apart, he still had to look out for the well-being of his subjects.
"Yes. There will be no slaves or religious ceremonies involving burning people alive; I will respect the King's laws," Kinvara said with a smile. She clearly knew she couldn't use the same methods in Westeros as in Essos.
Unlike Essos, which was accustomed to magic and mysticism, Westeros was truly backward in that regard. Instead of being in awe, they would be terrified after seeing magic. Her five hundred years of life had given her great experience in human nature. She knew exactly what could cause fear and terror, or how to inspire reverence, respect, and love.
"My Court Mage," Rhaegar looked at Cadmus and asked, "Can the Unbreakable Vow be made between myself and Lady Kinvara?"
"Yes, my King." Cadmus certainly knew what Rhaegar wanted to do. After all, the Red Faith was too powerful to be left unchecked. The Faith of the Seven was an example of what happens when religion has no restrictions.
"Just state your names and the terms of the Unbreakable Vow," Cadmus said to Rhaegar, who rose from the throne and stood before Kinvara.
"I, Rhaegar of House Targaryen, First of My Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm."
"Do you swear never to harm me or my family, unless someone from my family attacks first?"
Kinvara looked at Cadmus, and seeing him nod, she also began to speak as the mage held the King's arm.
"I, Kinvara of Volantis, swear never to harm the King and his family unless they attack me."
"Do you swear to respect me and my laws?" Rhaegar asked in a solemn tone.
"I swear." Kinvara did not hesitate. The moment she spoke, the audience gasped as golden lines began to appear around Rhaegar's and Kinvara's arms.
Kinvara looked at the golden threads with a touch of interest; as a mage, she had never seen or known a spell like that. However, she soon showed a solemn expression. She felt an unknown magical force coursing through her body, and for the first time, she felt that words truly held great power.
"Do you swear that you will do no harm to me or the Red Faith until the last day of your life?" Kinvara stated her terms. Although she did not fear Rhaegar—after all, he was just an ordinary human—being the target of a King was quite problematic. A single word from him could make all the effort she put into Westeros vanish completely.
"I swear."
As soon as Rhaegar finished speaking, the golden lines solidified around their arms.
Kinvara nodded and, under surprised eyes, knelt and raised both hands. A Valyrian steel crown studded with rubies appeared in her hands.
"I offer the crown of the Archon of Volantis," Kinvara spoke in a solemn tone.
Archon was a term from when the Valyrian Empire still existed; Archons were the patriarchs of the Dragonlord Houses. The crown in Kinvara's hand was the crown of the last Archon who controlled the Free City of Volantis.
Rhaegar looked at the crown with surprise but accepted it and placed it upon his head. Looking at Kinvara kneeling before him, his last concern vanished.
As soon as Rhaegar's words rang out, everyone's eyes widened.
"Rise, Lady Kinvara, Lady of Oldtown."
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Read my other books:
Game Of Thrones: The God-Emperor of Planetos (500,000 words written).
Percy Jackson: Godwyn the Golden.
Game Of Thrones: The King's Court Wizard