Chapter 67: Chapter 67: Prelude to the Silver Wedding
Dragon's Nest, Laurel Tower
For weeks now, preparations for the wedding had consumed the lives of those residing in this beautiful tower. Maids scurried to the hastily constructed Summer Market to procure silk and fresh flowers, ensuring the young brides-to-be were adorned to perfection for their momentous day.
Lady Jenny Rowan, the bride's mother, had journeyed all the way from Goldengrove to assist her daughter in overseeing the arrangements and attending to the guests. Meanwhile, young Lady Leyla Celtigar had managed to win her place in Valar's heart during the past few months. Well, she hadn't done anything extraordinary—she simply fulfilled the role of a dutiful wife, tending to her husband's needs and supporting Diana Tarly in managing affairs.
Diana soon came to appreciate Leyla's strengths: she was an excellent accountant, a skill perhaps nurtured by her protective elder brother. Leyla's innocence and naivety allowed her to see the world with untainted wonder.
"Sister, try this one," Leyla suggested, holding up a white shawl adorned with purple amethysts and red rubies, measuring it against Diana's figure. Leyla herself wore a sleek silver-white gown that accentuated her slender frame, her every movement radiating youthful excitement. Two silver-haired maids busied themselves with applying makeup to Diana.
"Leyla, you should have your makeup done too," Diana said, inspecting the shawl and nodding her approval. "We can't keep relying on Mother and the princesses for everything. Once we're ready, we have our responsibilities to fulfill."
"Yes, of course." Leyla quickly seated herself before another mirror. Two other silver-haired maids immediately approached, beginning to apply Valyrian-style cosmetics to the young girl.
The room was abuzz with activity, every corner brimming with movement and purpose. Even Lady Jenny, who had come to check on her daughters, reconsidered entering after seeing the flurry of preparations. Instead, she returned to her duties hosting the arriving guests.
All across Westeros—save for Dorne—knights, warriors, and nobles gathered in Dragonstone. Some pitched tents in the countryside, while others lodged in the freshly completed inns within the Summerfield.
The royal family had arrived the day prior. Aegon the old and Prince Aemond descended from the skies astride their mighty dragons. It was said that the echoing roars of Vhagar and Vermithor were so thunderous that they reached Brandyport.
Princess Helaena had brought her newborn twins, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, along for the occasion. However, instead of riding her dragon, Dreamfyre, she chose to travel in the royal wheelhouse with the king and queen. Viserys had already arranged a betrothal between Jaehaenyra and Rey, though Rey's expression upon seeing the swaddled infant left much to be desired.
From Storm's End, Lord Boremund Baratheon led a grand entourage of over a hundred men southward. His party included Borros and his four daughters, and several prominent Stormlands nobles.
The Reach contingent was led by Lord Loras Tyrell, accompanied by an impressive array of nobility, including Lord Hobert Hightower, Lord Ormund Hightower, and Lord Thaddeus Rowan, among others. Prince Daeron was also among them. Unfortunately, Tessarion could not carry riders over long distances, so the dragon remained in Oldtown.
Lord of the Tides, Corlys Velaryon, crossed the Narrow Sea with his wife, Princess Rhaenys, and their two granddaughters, Baela and Rhaena. Princess Rhaenys, riding her dragon, Meleys, the Red Queen, arrived at Dragon's Nest ahead of the others and was now engaged in a lively conversation with Lady Jenny Rowan.
The Crownlands' nobles arrived overland several days later, led by Lord Simon Staunton and Lord Gormon Massey.
The Westerlands' and Riverlands' parties traveled together. Lord Jason Lannister personally led the Westerlands' delegation, bringing with him several carts of gold to make amends for his "offenses" against the grooms. The elderly Lord Grover Tully of Riverrun also made the journey, carried in a palanquin and accompanied by his grandson, Ser Elmon Tully. Lord Forrest Frey bore the Tully banners, while Lord Samwell Blackwood and Lord Amos Bracken served as the vanguard. Surprisingly, the age-old rivalry between the Blackwoods and Brackens seemed to have subsided, at least for this journey.
The Vale and Northern delegations arrived together. Ser Bennard Stark accompanied Lord Cregan Stark south, joined by "old" Lord Rodrik Dustin and the youthful Lord Domeric Bolton. Lord Manderly provided them with ships from White Harbor and dispatched knights and his sons to escort the northern party.
Lady Jeyne Arryn, Lord of the Vale, left her castle for the occasion. Lord Lyonel Corbray and his brother, Ser Qoren Corbray—wielder of the Valyrian steel sword Lady Forlorn—served as her protectors, while young Lord Artis Royce commanded the Vale's contingent.
Even Dorne sent representatives. Tigarro, under orders, returned to Dragon's Nest , bearing a proposal for an alliance from the Yronwood family. Morros, steward of House Martell, finally seized the opportunity to declare himself an envoy of the Martells, representing them at the celebration. Rumor had it that Ser Qunlan Dayne of Starfall was also present, along with the banners of House Dayne, though it remained unclear if they constituted an official delegation.
From across the Narrow Sea, representatives arrived as well. An envoy from Braavos brought Dragon's Nest annual profits from its workshops in the Free City, along with the blessings of the Sealord. Meanwhile, Tiger Party supporters from Volantis pursued Draezell once again, attempting to offer him a crown—a gesture he predictably rejected.
As the sun began its slow ascent, Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon landed at the Dragonpit of Dragon's Nest, their dragons, Syrax and Caraxes, descending with grace. Tyraxes, the young dragon, flew alongside them, a testament to the unity of House Targaryen. With them came Rhaenyra's two sons, Joffrey and Aegon.
Inside the Laurel Tower, Diana was startled by a cool voice from the doorway.
"Diana, I suggest you try the blouse with Valyrian steel embellishments."
Diana turned in surprise toward the source.
"Obara, what are you doing here?"
Leaning against the doorway, arms crossed and Dawn strapped securely to her back, Obara smirked.
"If that fool Albain can't even hold down the fort, he doesn't deserve to live," she said nonchalantly. Behind her, Hoffa Lawkeeper, one of Draezell's guards, kept a sharp gaze on the young woman. He knew Obara wouldn't dare overstep, but her disregard for propriety made him itch to drive a lance through her.
"I came to see your wedding—and maybe spar with the Kingsguard. I hear they're the finest knights in the realm," Obara continued, her eyes scanning Diana and Leyla as they changed into their intricate bridal gowns. "Congratulations, Diana."
"And you, Obara?" Diana adjusted her blouse. "Have you found a suitor yet?"
"This," Obara replied, patting her sword with a grin. "I've sworn myself to the gods and wed Dawn. Anyway, I should check out the tourney grounds, so I won't intrude. Make sure you're ready, little Diana."
With a teasing farewell, Obara strode away, eager to familiarize herself with the arena where she hoped to test her mettle.
As the sun climbed toward its zenith, anticipation filled the air.
The wedding was about to commence.
Guests had already taken their places in the grand hall of Dragonstone. The hall's massive size easily accommodated the great lords and celebrated knights gathered for the occasion.
In the center stood an enormous brazier, flames roaring brightly and casting flickering shadows across the opulent walls.
The bells began to toll.
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