FVN Chapter 186: Alicent and Daemon
Chapter 186: Alicent and Daemon
Chapter 186: Alicent and Daemon
Leaving behind the remaining bannermen, Rhaegar allowed Rhaenyra to lead him back to their bedroom.
As soon as they entered, Rhaenyra eagerly began, "Jeyne is rallying the noblewomen, promising two of them control over their families."
Rhaegar reclined on the bed, his reaction calm. "That was expected."
"Did Jeyne discuss this with you?" Rhaenyra scrutinized him, her gaze suspicious.
"Jeyne is smarter than you think," Rhaegar replied with a smirk. "The Arryn branch in Gulltown is failing apart, and Arnold is finished."
He continued, "Next she'll return to the Eyrie to rally other Arryn branches and comfort the victimized clans, thus securing a group of loyal followers."
The Black Wedding had indeed decimated many nobles, especially those who had either defied or ignored Jeyne's orders. With the traitors eliminated, the Vale's power structure was more malleable than ever. Lady Jeyne seized the opportunity to create a unified regime.
Though the nobles' leaders and heirs had perished, their knights and soldiers remained intact, ensuring that the Vale's overall strength would not be significantly diminished. With royal backing, Jeyne could emerge as the greatest beneficiary of the rebellion, if she can withstand the pressure.
Rhaenyra, shocked by this revelation, covered her mouth. "Are you suggesting that Jeyne might...?"
"Shh!" Rhaegar whispered, "Do not speculate. She faced danger with us."
In his opinion, Arnold's rebellion probably had Jeyne's subtle influence, but the severe consequences - the grave injury to Yorbert and the Black Wedding - were too high a price to pay. It was likely that Jeyne had underestimated the ruthlessness of Arnold and the Mountain Clans.
...
In another bedroom, Jessamyn lay on the bed, her face pale and still in a coma.
The door opened softly, and Jeyne walked in with gentle steps. She sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her friend's face and wiping the sweat from her brow with a handkerchief.
"Jessamyn, you must be strong and wake up," Jeyne whispered, lowering her eyes and taking one of Jessamyn's hands. "Yorbert is getting old, and I need you to help me carry the weight of this responsibility."
Jeyne had successfully gathered most of the noblewomen that evening. Gerold and the old Grimm had also pledged their loyalty to her. Soon she would secure her position as Lady of the Eyrie for a long time to come.
...
Alicent lifted her head, gazing at her father with suspicion.
Otto leaned back in his chair and said gently, "You know who has a comprehensive intelligence network at their disposal."
"But..." Alicent began to protest, but Otto waved a hand to silence her. "Acquiring that network is crucial. We need more allies."
Without giving her a chance to refuse, Otto stood up and left the room.
Alicent watched her father's retreating back, her eyes filled with dissatisfaction. She clenched her fists tightly. After a moment, she slammed her hand on the table, straightened her dress, and stood up.
When she opened the door, a Kingsguard stood there, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Erryk.
Alicent adjusted her posture and took a deep breath. "Ser Arryk, accompany me to the dungeon."
"Yes, Your Grace," Arryk replied, following her without hesitation.
They soon reached the dungeon of the Red Keep. As Alicent entered, the prisoners leered and shouted vulgarities.
Arryk grabbed one of the prisoners by the hair and smashed his head against the iron bars until he fell unconscious.
Alicent looked away and whispered, "Thank you, Ser."
"That's my duty," Arryk replied, gripping the hilt of his sword as a warning to the other prisoners, who quickly retreated into the shadows.
"Ser, you can wait here," Alicent instructed as she moved deeper into the dungeon.
Arryk nodded and stood guard as Alicent moved on alone.
She stopped at a cell and peered through the iron bars at the inmate.
"Daemon, I know you can hear me," she said, addressing the white-haired man sitting on the edge of the bed.