Chapter 136: Daemon Reappears
Rhaegar raised an eyebrow and blew a breath of air onto the baby's cheek.
"Goo… ah…"
Baenira shivered slightly from the coolness, squirming even more, her tiny mouth forming a small bubble.
"Interesting."
Amused by the reaction, Rhaegar couldn't help but smile.
Looking up again, he turned to Rhaenys and said with a smile, "I accept your request, Aunt."
"Thank you, Rhaegar."
Laenor, full of gratitude, spoke first.
Rhaegar shook his head and sighed, "No need to thank me. The children are innocent."
"Let me have a look as well."
Now that the agreement was settled, Rhaenyra stepped forward and leaned in to examine the two infants.
Rhaegar glanced back at her, his gaze deep and unreadable.
Their eyes met, and Rhaenyra gave a subtle nod.
They had not forgotten the plan they discussed beforehand.
---
### Nightfall
Inside a luxurious chamber in High Tide, Rhaegar lay idly on the bed, resting with his eyes closed.
"Get up already. We need to go downstairs for the banquet soon."
Rhaenyra sat at the vanity, carefully grooming herself, urging him to change his clothes.
"I can get ready faster than you."
Rhaegar remained sprawled out lazily, unwilling to move, his mind replaying the day's discussions.
The royal family and the Sea Snake had reached a preliminary alliance.
Not only had he agreed to grant the two infants legal recognition, but he had also pardoned their mother.
It was a gesture of goodwill and benevolence from the royal family toward House Velaryon.
The rest depended on how Corlys and Rhaenys would reciprocate.
There was only one matter that both sides had carefully avoided—Daemon.
Laenor's husband, the father of the two infants, seemed to have been forgotten by all.
But Rhaegar had a feeling that Daemon wouldn't stay hidden for long.
"Come on, get up. There's business to discuss at the banquet. We can't be late."
Rhaenyra's voice pulled him from his thoughts as she forcibly dragged him off the bed.
"Alright, alright, I get it."
Rhaegar stretched, then buried his face against Rhaenyra's neck, rubbing against her like a spoiled child.
"You're an adult now. You can't act like you did when you were little."
Rhaenyra sighed, patting him lightly, helpless against his affectionate behavior.
"There's still time."
Rhaegar tightened his arms around her waist, reluctant to move.
He had no interest in playing politics with the Sea Snake.
He was meant to be an explorer of the skies and seas, yet his title as crown prince weighed heavily upon him.
Sometimes, he wished Rhaenyra were still the heir.
Then, he wouldn't have to bear this endless burden, constantly keeping an eye on the rats lurking in the shadows.
"Rhaegar, I know this is hard for you. But for me and Father, you have to be strong."
Touched, Rhaenyra wrapped her arms around his head, gently stroking his hair.
Rhaegar was only thirteen, yet the responsibilities on his shoulders were immense.
She often woke at night to hear him whispering in his sleep, struggling with the weight of it all.
It broke her heart.
She couldn't help but wonder—if she had remained the heir, would she have been able to withstand this pressure?
---
### Castle Hall
A long table sat at the center of the grand hall, with Corlys Velaryon, Rhaenys, Laenor, and Aegon seated on either side.
Rhaegar descended the stairs slowly.
Behind him, Rhaenyra and Laenor each carried one of the swaddled infants as they walked together.
"Come quickly! We prepared golden-thread lobster tonight—it's a true delicacy."
Rhaenys, in high spirits, crossed her legs as she sat, cheerfully inviting the three of them to the table.
She had many reasons to be happy today.
The tension between her husband's house and her own had eased, her daughter had regained her rightful status, and her two granddaughters had been recognized by the royal family.
And in just two days, it would be her name day.
Another grand celebration awaited.
As everyone took their seats, Corlys and Rhaenys raised their cups in succession, signaling the start of the feast.
Rhaegar and Rhaenyra sat side by side, facing Rhaenys and Laenor. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
In front of each person was a serving of freshly marinated lobster.
Rhaegar took a few bites, his eyes lighting up with delight.
As expected of a family that thrived by the sea—the quality of their ingredients and their culinary skills were truly top-notch.
**"Rhaenyra, try this plum cake. It's absolutely delicious."**
Laenor smiled as he cut a piece of cake and handed it to Rhaenyra.
"Oh, thank you."
Rhaenyra was pleasantly surprised, as if transported back to the sweet moments of her childhood, indulging in her favorite desserts.
She took a small bite with her fork, letting the sweet and tangy flavors dance on her taste buds, bringing a bright smile to her face.
**"Rhaegar, you should try it too."**
Without hesitation, Rhaenyra scooped up a piece and popped it into Rhaegar's mouth.
The banquet was a success, filled with laughter and joy as it reached its midpoint.
Meanwhile, on the cliffs outside High Tide—
The dark figure of Glutton blended seamlessly into the night, lazily sprawled on the ground, eyes closed in feigned sleep.
**Whoosh...**
A fierce gust of wind swept past, carrying thick clouds straight toward High Tide.
**"Scree..."**
In an instant, Glutton's slit-pupiled eyes snapped open, locking onto the direction from which the wind had come.
---
Back at the banquet—
Laenor and Aegon were locked in a drinking contest, laughing heartily before bursting into song, then stumbling off to dance.
Corlys and Lyonel were deep in conversation, exchanging toasts.
Rhaegar lounged in his chair, simultaneously enjoying (and mocking) Laenor and Aegon's ridiculous dancing while savoring the treats Rhaenyra fed him.
The scene was peaceful—almost too peaceful.
Beneath the surface, however, a storm was brewing.
**Bang!**
Suddenly, the castle doors were pushed open from the outside, and an uninvited guest stepped in.
A gust of wind rushed through the hall, drawing everyone's attention.
**"Daemon?!"**
Laenor was the first to react, staring in shock at the newcomer.
All eyes turned toward the entrance, where Daemon—who had been away in the Free Cities for years—stood in the doorway.
At that moment, Daemon was dressed in the luxurious attire of foreign lands. His strikingly handsome face was unreadable as he tilted his head, surveying the room.
**"Hey, Laenor, did you miss me?"**
Daemon showed no discomfort under everyone's scrutiny. A smirk played at his lips as he casually greeted his wife.
**"Daemon! Who told you to come back? Did you forget what we agreed on?!"**
The moment she saw her husband, Laenor lost her usual composure. She anxiously signaled him with her eyes, urging him to leave at once.
Daemon was different from her.
She was merely an accomplice. With her parents and children as leverage, she could still hope for forgiveness.
But Daemon? He had committed a grave crime—one of treason and murder. There would be no pardon for him.
**Bang!**
Before Daemon could respond, Rhaegar slammed his hand on the table. His smile vanished in an instant.
**"Rhaegar, calm down."**
Rhaenyra tightened her grip on his hand, her gaze locked on Daemon, her voice a cautious whisper.
They were in Driftmark—this was not their domain.
**"Heh, everyone's here, I see."**
The sound of the table slam drew Daemon's attention.
He hesitated for a brief moment before recognizing Rhaegar.
With a slow, amused stride, Daemon stepped into the hall, his smirk deepening.
**"Nephew, I'm back. Did you miss me?"**
**Crash!**
Rhaegar yanked his hand free from Rhaenyra's grasp. His eyes glinted with cold fury as he sneered, **"Uncle, you actually dare show your face in front of me?"**
The words barely left his lips before he sprang from his seat and strode toward Daemon.
**"What? My wife is allowed to come home, but I can't drop by for a visit?"**
Daemon's expression remained roguish as he took a step forward.
---
Daemon's return marks a turning point in the story.
(End of Chapter)