In 266 AC, the realm was peaceful.
What can be said about King's Landing these past few years? It's been a series of pregnancies.
For the Lords and nobles, procreation after marriage was the top priority. Children were valuable human resources; as long as they weren't too crude, even a useless one could be sent off for a marriage alliance.
Queen Rhaella gave birth to two healthy boys, named Aegon and Duncan in memory of their great-grandfather Aegon and great-uncle Duncan, respectively. Prince Aerys thought his repentance had worked, so he dismissed those lingering thoughts of seeking pleasure and illicit affairs. After all, with the gods above, breaking vows was a terrible thing.
Lady Joanna gave birth to a pair of golden twins, named Jaime and Cersei by Ser Tywin.
Lady Rowena Arryn also gave birth to a healthy baby boy in King's Landing, whom Lord Arryn named Rennal Arryn. Lord Arryn, who had never believed in metaphysics before, now began to feel that Rhaegar indeed had some extreme good fortune.
After Lady Rowena gave birth, Lord Arryn did not send his wife back to The Eyrie. Instead, she was cared for by the royal family and temporarily resided in the Red Keep. The Eyrie's high altitude was not conducive to the child's growth. A bigger problem was that an heir had already been established, and if the line of succession changed now, unforeseen events were bound to occur in the Vale. If not handled properly, some bloodshed was inevitable.
Even if Lord Jon Arryn was noble and stubborn, he understood the rules of power struggles. With a new heir, the previous heir and the investors who revolved around him would inevitably experience some extreme emotions, and such things happened frequently. He needed to deal with those chaotic flames before his child grew up.
The biggest event in the past two or three years was the visit of Lord Rickard, Warden of the North, to King's Landing.
Although people didn't like the northern barbarians, Lord Rickard was, after all, a Lord of a region, and northern Lords rarely traveled south.
Rhaegar also met the Wolf King. Lord Rickard had grey eyes, a long face, and dark brown hair, a typical appearance of the Wolf family.
Lord Rickard's dream of heading south was not just incited by others; Rhaegar felt that Lord Rickard seemed to be drawn to the prosperity and liveliness of King's Landing. He didn't entirely adhere to the ancient custom of House Stark lying dormant in the North and not deeply involving themselves in southern affairs; he wanted to expand his influence to the South.
For Jaehaerys II, everything was excellent. He had many children and grandchildren, and the country had capable people. What he hoped for most was Rhaegar's marriage.
With Lord Monford leading and Ser Tywin assisting, the country was governed very harmoniously through a combination of old and new.
The citizens of King's Landing joked that only two people on the Small Council truly managed affairs; everyone else was just a glutton and a yes-man who came along for meals. There was no second choice for the future Hand.
Jaehaerys II saw that Prince Aerys was also melancholy and lacked a suitable position, so he found him a position as Master of Ships and put him in it.
The only downside was perhaps the Iron Bank's increasingly stern demands for repayment. However, Ser Tywin had already promised support from the Westerlands for debt repayment, so the problem wouldn't be too significant.
Red Keep training grounds.
A silver-haired youth raised his rapier and wooden shield, sparring with a swordsman.
Cesar dodged and weaved, his movements agile and swift.
But Rhaegar was even faster and more nimble; his rapier, like a venomous snake, slowly pressed against Cesar's throat.
"I surrender, Rhaegar. Your speed is much faster than yesterday. I'm afraid it won't be long before you'll need to find an even stronger opponent. Damn it, you truly have the blood of a dragon flowing through you; you always seem to have endless energy," Cesar said with a laugh as he dropped his longsword.
Barristan gave Cesar a warm smile. Prince Rhaegar was indeed growing stronger and stronger.
Day and night, Rhaegar spent these past few years training, sparring, and studying.
His swordplay, spearplay, and archery were steadily improving at an incredible pace.
Because he needed to train his archery, King Jaehaerys II sent someone to invite Ser Brynden Tully. The Ser, who was already troubled by his poor relationship with his brother, readily agreed.
In battle, Rhaegar would be a sharp sword, wildfire, and a dreadful dragon, bringing fear to enemies and light to friends.
"Prince, you are truly extraordinary. I have never seen a noble young master like you so dedicated to sharpening your will and honing your martial prowess, nor one with such abundant vitality and stamina. The clang of swords and spears seems to bring you joy," Brynden Tully sighed.
Such children, rich yet not arrogant or indulgent, rich yet knowing to strive, were indeed rare.
"Ser, the flowers of peace and civilization are destined to be protected by force," Rhaegar replied. As the years passed, his face grew more handsome and his body more agile.
Brynden nodded. After all, this child was born into a family that produced heroes and legends; the Dragonlords were all ambitious, proud, and sharp-witted.
Rhaegar put down his rapier, ready to rest for a bit before starting archery.
Suddenly, Ser Brynden smiled at him. "Prince, your little bride has come to see you."
By the edge of the training grounds, two more children appeared: Roberta and her brother Robert.
Rhaegar felt a little embarrassed seeing Roberta.
His childhood sweetheart came very often; Cesar and the others had started to tease him.
Roberta had the typical dark hair of the Baratheon family, fair and translucent skin, and eyes as clear as blue seawater, like her mother Lady Cassana. She was tall for her age. The little girl, dressed in a dress, was as cute as a doll. However, she certainly couldn't compare to Rhaegar's build; Rhaegar was already as tall as an eleven or twelve-year-old child, able to eat and fight. Standing together, there was still a noticeable height difference between the two.
Roberta walked over, followed by the tag-along Robert. Robert's small face looked a bit helpless; he preferred being held by the beautiful maids in King's Landing or watching tourneys or hunting.
"Sister, if you didn't always beat me up, I'd truly think you were a beautiful lady," Robert Baratheon couldn't help but grumble.
The Deer Girl Roberta's smile instantly vanished. She grabbed Robert's ear, and Robert let out a pig-like squeal.
"You should learn to shut your big mouth. If you bother me again, I'll send you to look after our brother Stannis." Robert immediately quieted down. He had loved excitement since childhood, enjoying feasts, songs and dances, and tourneys. If he had to look after his brother Stannis, Robert would probably go crazy after a few moments indoors.
This was probably why, no matter how pretty an older sister was, in her younger brother's heart, she was still a devil.
"Oh, Brother Rhaegar, where's your beautiful silver hair? Why is it so short?" Roberta asked.
"I like short hair; it's much more refreshing this way." Rhaegar still preferred to keep his silver hair short, as it was refreshing and easy to manage.
"Hmm, that's good too. Short hair looks very energetic."
"Can you play the harp for us? This is a request from a faraway guest, and also a request from your lovely cousin," Roberta said.
Robert rolled his eyes. Was this still the same sister who beat him up? He knew that what she liked most was beating him up, stealing his food, and pestering the trainers to learn martial arts. She didn't like music or needlework at all; she liked to hit people.
"Alright," Rhaegar smiled. After his harp playing became famous, why did it turn into a regular talent show? Everyone loved to see Rhaegar show off his skills.
The attendants brought him a harp, and Rhaegar began to play.
It was cheerful music, yet deeply moving.
Rhaegar glanced around: Barristan the Bold, Brynden Tully the Blackfish, Cesar the wandering swordsman, plus Roken the Rat Catcher in the shadows. Rhaegar's dream team was growing stronger and stronger. The treasure hunt dream team was ready to set off.
He had already responded to Lord Arryn's request and was preparing to travel to the Vale.