Gendry raised the seven-sided great golden cup, filled with seven fine wines, held it up for all to see, then lowered it again. With that, the wedding feast officially began. The golden cup was already heavy on its own, and now it was filled with wine besides.
"Could you do that?" the Black Pearl asked softly of the water dancer guard in the Braavosi delegation.
The guard shook his head solemnly. "It would be very difficult, Lady Black Pearl. We could lift it with great effort, but the point is that the Storm's movements did not falter at all. He made it look effortless. He has divine strength, the kind that makes the heavy seem light."
The Black Pearl nodded. She looked at the handsome king, so elegant and charming, yet as strong as a bull like Robert Baratheon, fearless on the battlefield and a man who loved war above all else.
The Braavosi envoy frowned slightly. Could such a violent man truly keep out of the chaos of Essos?
Once the Storm had taken the two daughters, he would still demand Lys and Volantis. The true question was whether the Long Winter could check the Iron Throne's ambitions.
The first course was a thick mushroom soup, served in gilded bowls.
The soup had a fine, rich taste. Although everything had been simplified, the lords had few complaints. The meaning of this feast mattered more than anything else.
The King and the young Queen drank together from the same great golden cup.
"Long live King Gendry! Long live Queen Daenerys!"
Those seated at the feast were all nobles and high-ranking figures from the Seven Kingdoms and across the Narrow Sea. Gentle, beautiful women and handsome, brave, openhearted men filled the banquet hall.
The tall, imposing Lady Selyse stood out among them. She lacked conventional beauty and had a cold manner, so it was no wonder Great Lord Stannis disliked looking at her.
The beautiful Lady Alerie, her long silver hair braided, accompanied Great Lord Mace Tyrell with dignified grace. Lady Catelyn was also quite beautiful, with auburn hair and blue eyes, though no one knew what she and Great Lord Eddard were discussing.
The young people were the merriest. Margaery and Sansa smiled constantly, and Margaery's three cousins were like cheerful little birds. Edric Baratheon and Shireen were also seeing such an occasion for the first time.
The second course arrived: pies filled with pork, pine nuts, and eggs.
Gendry put one into his mouth. The flavor was rich and delicious. The pie really did taste excellent.
"This goes to Great Lord Stannis, Ser Barristan, Maester Qyburn, Handsome Man, and Fletcher." After Gendry and Daenerys had eaten some, he also granted portions to Great Lord Stannis, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, and the others. This was part of a king or lord's right of reward, and an honor for those who received it.
The heralds then announced the first of the seven singers.
Hamish the "harper," gray-bearded, spoke first. "Before gods and men, I swear that the song about to be performed is a heavenly melody once played in the Whispering Wood and the Twins. Now it is offered again to the nobles of the Seven Kingdoms and the honored guests from across the Narrow Sea."
He called it "The Stag in the Night."
The singer's fingers brushed the harp strings, and sweet music filled the throne room.
"The stars in the night are the stag's eyes, and the howling wind is their song.
The stars in the night are the stag's messengers, and the howling wind is their song..."
The lyrics told of Gendry's victories in the Riverlands, but behind them lay brutal war, the one-handed jailer, and the fallen Twins.
All the guests cheered.
"When the King destroys the Lannisters of Casterly Rock, I can compose an even better song for the Storm," the harper said.
"Then you had better compose two. I want not only the lion's head, but the Kraken's as well." Gendry laughed loudly, and the honored guests laughed with him, their laughter rolling on like a river.
The main reason was that the Lannisters and Greyjoys had become loathed by men and dogs alike. They had offended everyone they could and had all but lost their circle of friends.
The Lion had sacked King's Landing, murdered the kin of the Targaryens and Martells, later stood by while Great Lord Arryn was poisoned, plundered the Riverlands, and plotted against King Robert and the Northmen. As for the Kraken, they had raided the lands of other lords as well, a nest of ironborn sea bandits.
The "harper" also performed several familiar songs for everyone.
"The Hammer and the Anvil" praised the victory of Baelor "Breakspear" the Hammer and Prince Maekar the Anvil at the Battle of the Redgrass Field, honoring the brave Targaryen warriors.
"The Burning Ship" told the story of Brandon the Shipburner of House Stark. "The Golden Rose" praised House Tyrell. "Queen Nymeria" celebrated the ancestors of House Martell. "The Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone" pleased the High Septon, while "My Beloved Wife" kindled romantic fire in the hearts of young men and women.
People embraced. People laughed.
"These go to..." Gendry ate sweet cornmeal, oat bread baked with chopped dates, apples, and oranges, and wild boar ribs, then ordered part of the boar meat granted to Great Lord Eddard, Great Lord Tyrell, Great Lord Arryn, and Prince Oberyn.
"For Lady Brienne and Lady Dacey, Lady Melisandre and Lady Tyene. They are people I respect," Daenerys also said.
After that, more and more dishes arrived, and more and more performances followed.
Gendry was no glutton, but the needs of his tall, powerful body and his study of Pyromancy gave him a large appetite.
Gendry ate while placing food on his bride's plate. The other hearty eater was Arya. During her flight, the girl had all but lived an orphan's wandering tale.
"The King can really eat," Ser Dickon whispered.
"A man has to eat well to become a strong knight," Randyll Tarly said, looking at his son. "Did you see the hammer and shield the King usually uses? Ordinary men could hardly swing them, but the King carries them in one hand and moves like the wind."
Gendry ate heartily while continuing to reward the lords, honored guests, and trusted followers he valued with choice dishes. Daenerys, meanwhile, gave portions to noblewomen and young ladies.
"It's a bear!" the children cried happily.
After the singer left, a short old bear danced clumsily to the command of flute and drum.
"This tastes good." The new dish was fresh trout wrapped in crushed almonds after being cooked, and the tender white fish tasted quite fine.
Gendry ate some, then granted portions to Great Lord Edmure and the noble heirs. The next course, honeyed quail, he gave to Little Silvertongue and Brown Ben.
Daenerys also remembered the knights of the Hundred-Man Holy War Company, Lord Darry, and Ser Boggs.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Great Lord Tyrell's ridiculous fat fool, Butterbumps, made everyone roar with laughter, while the ladies sampled roasted heron and onion cheese pie.
"The acrobatic troupe has arrived!" the herald called.
The Pentoshi acrobatic troupe presented by Magister Ordello came out tumbling and walking on their hands. One moment they balanced on one foot atop plates, and the next they formed a great human pyramid together. This was the Pentoshi gift, and they accepted no payment.
The acrobats' performance seemed almost otherworldly, while Gendry continued enjoying the feast. Each performance was matched with another dish. This time, it was crab cooked with strong eastern spices, great lamb chops stewed in almond milk with carrots, raisins, and onions, and freshly baked fish cakes, hot enough to burn the fingers.
"The next singer, Corillo of Tyrosh."
At once, the heralds summoned the next singer, Corillo Quentis, with his vermilion beard. In High Valyrian, he offered sorrowful love songs such as "The Dance of the Blood Dragons," as well as one vulgar, obscene little tune.
The paired main course was a whole swan baked with its feathers still on and stuffed with dates. Only a king would make such a display, favoring great birds like swans and peacocks, but Gendry could not enjoy the taste.
Next came four Pyromancers performing fire acrobatics, while four fierce beasts attacked one another.
"Try this." Fortunately, the dishes that followed were much lighter, including beef soup, hot wine with honey, and large pieces of chicken stewed with white almonds. Daenerys was already almost too full to eat, while Gendry continued enjoying himself and granting portions to his attendants, Anguy, Jon, Lothor, and the others.
Then several bagpipers, pet dogs, and sword-swallowers entered the hall to perform in scattered groups. The performances continued on one side while the dishes kept coming on the other. There was even a juggler spinning three longswords and three axes at the same time.
...
When the ceremony drew to a close, "The Song of the Blackwater Rush" rang out, celebrating the Storm's great victory.
Gleon of House Cuy spoke in a loud, resonant voice. "'The Song of the Blackwater Rush' tells the story of how the realm was saved."
The drummers struck a slow, somber rhythm.
"The Lord of Darkness brooded in his high tower," Gleon began to sing, "his heart as black as endless night..."
"Yellow hair, black soul," the musicians chanted together, and a flute joined the melody.
"He fed on jealousy and murder, his cup brimming with hatred. His fierce mother urged her child on. We shall steal the kingdom with sharp swords and murder every child of the king."
...
"A brave Prince, his hair the color of charcoal, his eyes the color of the sea. He has a beautiful bride, her hair silver-gold, her eyes like purple crystal." The musicians chanted again, and the wooden harp and fiddle joined in.
It was said the singer's piece had seventy-seven verses, but Gendry had already ordered much of it cut, or else it would have dragged on far too long.
Some guests were already nodding off, though most were still in good spirits. Dancers from the Summer Isles, dressed in bright feathered robes and smoke-whiskered silks, leapt into the hall.
"A fine dance," Gendry remarked, judging the dancers' bodies to be remarkably flexible. He ate and drank, yet remained as clear-headed as ever.
By the time the final roasted wild bull was served, it was time to cut the pigeon pie, another signature dish.
"The pigeon pie has arrived!"
Seven beaming cooks carried the enormous pie slowly into the great hall. Everyone rose, shouting and cheering, their cups clinking together.
The pie was a full two yards across, golden-brown, with a crisp crust. From inside came the shrieks, flutters, and scuffles of birds.
"Come on." Gendry took up a long silver carving knife and brought it down together with Daenerys. A hundred white doves burst out at once, scattering in every direction before finally flapping up to the windows and rafters, feathers drifting through the air.
"To love!"
The hall erupted with cheers, while fiddles and bagpipes in the gallery struck up a lively tune.
Gendry lifted his bride, and the two spun together joyfully.
Everyone ate the pigeon pie, topped with a spoonful of lemon curd.
The singer Alaric of Eysen took the stage. This time, the song was "The Bear and the Maiden Fair," Robert's favorite song as well.
"...the bear!" the singer roared, his merry voice shaking the rafters. "Oh, everyone was saying, come and see the beauty! A beauty? He knew, but I'm a bear! All black and brown and covered with hair!"
"From here to there, along the road! From here! To there! Boys, goats, and dancing bears!"
"The bear, the bear, and the maiden fair."
The mood reached its peak. Everyone followed the singer's rhythm.
The King raised his golden cup. The blended wine still tasted a little strange. Mixed together, the wines had lost their original flavors.
"Let's dance," Gendry said.
The servants cheered and pushed the tables aside, opening the hall for dancing.
The guests who had been seated came alive again, all feeling that a proper, lively dance ought to begin now.
Tap, tap.
A gentle tune began, and the dance was led by Gendry and Daenerys. Their movements were elegant and captivating. Black hair and silver hair, blue eyes and purple eyes, they were the finest pair in the dancing floor.
"How beautiful."
Great Lord Tyrell and his wife danced in steady, graceful order. Prince Oberyn, the Red Viper, and his lover danced with passionate heat. Even Great Lord Stannis forced himself to dance a song with his troublesome wife.
Lady Merryweather of Myr, with black hair and large dark eyes, danced so sensually that she drew every man's gaze in the hall.
Then came the younger guests: Ser Garlan and his wife, Edmure and Arianne, and others. Meredyth Crane took the floor with the exiled Prince Jalabhar Xho, who wore an outrageously feathered costume...
Clap, clap.
The royal couple's dance was so graceful and moving that everyone applauded them. Daenerys's purple skirts flew and shone as Gendry held her in his arms.
Gendry escorted his somewhat tired bride, Daenerys, back to her seat, but one person after another still invited him to dance.
Gendry first danced with Margaery Tyrell, a lovely beauty with brown hair, brown eyes, and an elegant figure. Margaery carried the scent of rose perfume.
"Your Grace, you dance so beautifully. You are descended from dragonlords and storms," Margaery said. Her large brown eyes were beautiful and captivating, her thick brown curls falling lazily over her shoulders, her skin smooth and flawless.
"Thank you for dancing with me. The Tyrells are also descendants of the Greenhand." Gendry looked at Margaery, then returned the lovely girl to the guest seats.
"But nearly everyone in the Reach is," Margaery said with a shy, sweet smile.
The second person to dance with Gendry came as something of a surprise: the Black Pearl of Braavos, or perhaps the Brown Pearl, the fourth Bellegere Otherys.
"Honored King, I would like to dance with you, assuming you do not mind a guest from foreign lands," Bellegere said.
Bellegere was young and lovely. She wore a low-cut dark yellow silk gown that suited her lustrous brown skin. Her black hair was bound in a golden hairnet, and a necklace of black jade and gold hung down over her full breasts.
"In truth, I have a little dragon blood as well," Bellegere said.
"I've heard of him. The Merry King." Gendry danced with the courtesan, and had to admit that her large breasts were indeed tempting.
As Gendry danced before the Black Pearl, the distance between them narrowed. The Black Pearl truly wanted to fall into his arms, only for the steps to pull them apart again.
"Make yourself my guest, and I could give you more. In truth, I would like to taste a dragonlord too," Bellegere whispered.
"Viserys Targaryen went to Braavos. Did he not catch your eye back then?" Gendry asked.
Gendry knew the Black Pearl was deeply mysterious, a graceful courtesan skilled at moving through power. In truth, she was also one of the centers of power in Braavos, likely connected to both the Sealord and the Faceless Men.
"He was too wretched. Beyond a withered shell, he had no talent at all. But you are different. I like the warmth, steel, and ambition in your eyes. In truth, I am still a Braavosi virgin. The Black Pearl is a priceless treasure."
"You want to enter my court."
"No. I am only myself."
When the song ended, the laughing Black Pearl left the dance floor and returned to her place, refusing to dance with anyone else. Cunning, wild people, men or women, were never easy to control.
Gathering her courage, Sansa Stark entered the dance floor with flushed cheeks and danced with Gendry.
"One dance."
The sweet, innocent maiden was pleasing to the eye, gentle and lovely. Yet the girl did look more like a Tully than a Stark, with red hair, blue eyes, and fertile beauty. Her younger sister, who wolfed down food with knife and fork, was far more like a she-wolf.
Sansa often daydreamed, imagining herself dancing joyfully at a wedding feast, every pair of eyes fixed on her and her white knight. In her dreams, every face shone with happiness.
"How could it be like this?"
But such a handsome king already belonged to someone else, and Sansa felt deeply regretful. After the main course, every other dish tasted dull.
"Thank you for your kindness," Sansa said, blushing, then fled back to her seat and ignored the invitations from others.
Gendry then invited Dacey and Brienne to dance. They were loyal guards, and both were very tall.
Dacey looked quite beautiful, with a slim, long figure, and her shy smile brightened her long face.
"Thank you, Your Grace." Brienne was somewhat surprised, but she still kept smiling until the dance was done. Apart from Renly, only the King and Queen had ever treated her with such courtesy.
"It is time for the bedding. A sword needs a proper sheath, and a wedding needs its bridal chamber," Great Lord Stannis said with a faint smile, a truly rare sight.
"To bed! To bed! The bedding!"
The nobles shouted together. Both newlywed couples looked a little frightened.
Daenerys's flushed little face showed some fear.
"Don't be afraid," Gendry told her. Everything had been arranged properly.
The bedding ceremony was Westeros's most infamous vulgar custom.
The men would carry the bride toward the marriage bed, stripping her bare along the way while shouting coarse jokes and describing what awaited her that night. The women would do the same to the groom. Once everyone had had their fun, they would leave the pair naked in each other's arms, then retreat outside the chamber to watch and shout obscene things through the door. That was the wedding custom of Westeros.
However, the King had already given orders. Even the coarsest lords had to keep some dignity.
"The bedding begins!"
The band took up their flutes, drums, and fiddles again and sang, "The Queen sheds her shoes, the King casts off his crown."
Ser Barristan, Great Lord Stannis, and the others picked up the bride, Daenerys, and rushed off, carrying her straight back to the bedchamber so she would be spared the vulgar jokes. The other lords laughed, though they also felt the bride was far too shy.
But Gendry and Ser Mychel, left behind, were less fortunate. The women surrounded them and tugged off Gendry's clothes, revealing powerful arms and the lines of his muscles.
The women stared at those beautiful muscles. Some nearly drooled, and a few bold noble maidens even came up to pinch him.
"I hear the men of House Baratheon are great stags!" the Queen of Thorns said grandly to her granddaughter.
"They are stags," Lady Selyse said, covering her face as she laughed.
"It's time to send the groom off," Lady Catelyn called.
"That is one strong stag!" Ser Justin of the Stormlands said from atop a long table. "I'm waiting to see the stag and the dragon come together."
"Ha ha ha ha!"
After a long while, everyone shouted again, "To bed! To bed! The bedding!"
At least the crowd left the King a pair of underclothes, sparing him too much embarrassment.
The music from the gallery turned lewd. "The Queen sheds her gown, the King loses his breeches."
The noblewomen escorted Gendry to the door of the King's bedchamber and blessed the newlyweds with a sweet night.
Gendry stroked Daenerys's bright silver hair. Daenerys was excited and afraid. The shouting outside the door continued for a time, then gradually scattered.
"Kiss me," Daenerys demanded.
The two began to kiss deeply. Gendry was already bare.
Daenerys's clothes were also removed, and he gently took off her silk garments one by one.
Her graceful body was beautiful. Gendry caressed Daenerys's silver-gold hair, then slowly moved lower.
Desire gradually overtook both their thoughts, and Gendry and Daenerys felt it begin to tip beyond restraint.
It was like forging iron. Man and woman, Gendry was the hammer, and the girl was the anvil.
"No."
"Yes."
That night, both of them grew.
The court servants all heard the sounds of the King and Queen. It was a noisy night.
***
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