He deliberately asked the question.
The Sea Snake held only the title of a count. Compared to Rhaegar's status as crown prince and Rhaenyra's title as Princess of Dragonstone, he was far outranked.
Even if it were Aegon, the king's younger son, visiting, the Sea Snake should have led his entire family to greet them at the gates to show respect for the royal family.
But he didn't.
The only ones sent to greet them were Vaemond and the steward, a clear display of disrespect toward Rhaegar and his siblings.
Facing the prince's inquiry, Vaemond remained calm and answered lightly, "My brother personally invited the guests and just returned home after a long journey."
"He has already gone to the Hall of Nine to welcome Your Highness and the princess."
Rhaegar's smile faded as he glanced at Laenor, who was exchanging greetings with Rhaenyra. His expression turned cold.
Resting his right hand on the hilt of the *Dark Sister*, he said calmly, "Lord Vaemond, do you understand the proper protocols for welcoming the crown prince?"
"Of course. It's just that my brother has only just returned from his voyage. He hasn't had the chance to change his attire and feared it would be inappropriate for such an occasion," Vaemond replied smoothly, clearly prepared with excuses.
"Oh? That sounds somewhat reasonable," Rhaegar chuckled, though his eyes grew sharp.
The Sea Snake clearly intended to put them in their place.
How arrogant.
Noticing Rhaegar's displeasure, Laenor hurriedly explained, "My father just returned from the Stepstones and meant no disrespect."
"No. I haven't felt the respect owed to me by Lord Corlys or the Velaryon family," Rhaegar replied, shaking his head. He locked eyes with Vaemond and added, "Go summon Lord Corlys and have him personally welcome the crown prince to whom he swore fealty."
"Your Highness, my brother…"
"Enough, Lord Vaemond. Your words are becoming increasingly inappropriate," Rhaenyra interrupted, her tone carrying a hint of anger.
She had endured the disrespect of vassals when she was named heir to the throne. She would not allow her younger brother to suffer the same.
Her words brought an immediate chill to the atmosphere.
Laenor wanted to explain further, but the handsome knight at his side grabbed his hand, signaling him to stay silent.
Vaemond frowned slightly at the gesture and hesitated before saying, "Your Highness, Ser Laenor is also in the Hall of Nine. Perhaps you should—"
*Shing!*
Before he could finish, a dark flash streaked through the air. The blade of the *Dark Sister* was already at Vaemond's throat.
"Rhaegar…"
Rhaegar's movements were so swift that by the time everyone realized what had happened, Rhaenyra and Laenor both gasped in alarm.
"Rhaegar, Uncle Vaemond meant no disrespect. What are you doing?"
As the heir to High Tide, Laenor couldn't stand by and pleaded helplessly.
Rhaenyra grabbed Rhaegar's sword arm, her expression tense. "Rhaegar, we came here seeking peace. Put away your sword."
"Shh. You should be persuading Lord Vaemond, not me," Rhaegar replied without budging, ignoring their pleas and keeping his sword raised.
In this situation, his only response was to draw his sword. He would not yield.
"Your Highness, there's no need to act so rashly," Vaemond said, his voice trembling slightly. The icy blade pressed against his neck, and he couldn't help but swallow nervously.
To be held at sword point by a young crown prince—who knew if this boy might lose control and accidentally cut off his head?
Rhaegar's face remained emotionless. "Summon Lord Corlys to greet us, or don't make me repeat myself a third time."
This visit was, indeed, intended to win over the Sea Snake.
But as the crown prince, every word and action represented the honor of the royal family. He could not allow even the slightest humiliation.
If the Sea Snake wanted to make a show of dominance, Rhaegar's response was simple: **he would not accept it.**
The chill running down Vaemond's spine made him pale. He quickly replied, "Please calm down, Your Highness. I'll go fetch my brother immediately."
As a seasoned warrior, Vaemond understood when to yield. The prince's eyes carried a deadly seriousness, and if he pressed on, the outcome would not favor him.
Hearing this, Rhaegar smiled faintly, a cold and distant smile.
"See? That wasn't so hard, was it, Lord Vaemond?"
He withdrew the *Dark Sister*, gently running his hand along the blade as he spoke in a measured tone.
"I'll be back shortly," Vaemond said curtly, his dark complexion masking any hint of a blush. Embarrassed and humiliated, he turned and strode back toward the castle.
Rumors had dubbed the crown prince the "Kind Prince," a gentle boy akin to his father.
But having experienced this firsthand, Vaemond silently cursed in his heart.
*Kind, my foot. He's a completely different person.*
"Rhaegar, I'm truly sorry for the poor hospitality," Laenor said, his face dark with frustration as he apologized to his cousin.
Laenor knew full well what his father was trying to do. Yet, though he despised political games, he couldn't disobey his father's orders.
"It's fine. Just a minor inconvenience," Rhaegar said casually, sheathing his sword and shaking his head indifferently.
He didn't like these open and covert struggles either, but there were always people testing his limits.
At the end of the day, only a sharp enough sword could command respect.
"Wait a moment."
The castle gates opened once again.
This time, it wasn't Vaemond Velaryon who emerged but the more imposing Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake.
"Father."
Seeing his father appear, Laenor quickly stepped forward, afraid a conflict might break out between the two sides.
Corlys waved his hand dismissively, his expression calm.
He approached Rhaegar, bowed respectfully, and suddenly smiled warmly, saying in a kind tone:
"Your Highness, I offer my sincerest apologies for the earlier misunderstanding. It's entirely my fault for returning in such haste."
"High Tide welcomes you. Please don't hold a grudge and accept the Velaryon family's apology."
His words were perfectly balanced—expressing an apology while subtly emphasizing that the slight was unintentional.
Rhaegar gave Corlys a surprised look before smiling and saying, "I accept your apology, and I must admit I came here on rather short notice."
This, of course, was a lie.
Laenor had arrived at Driftmark a day earlier.
Even if they used ravens for communication, the Sea Snake should have known they would arrive today.
Ultimately, it was deliberate—a test to see how Rhaegar would handle the situation.
Rhaegar responded directly and firmly.
No matter what Corlys thought about it, at least on the surface, he didn't dare show further disrespect.
"Please come inside. I'll take you to the Hall of Nine. Rhaenys and Laenor are both there."
After explaining the situation, Corlys' smile vanished, replaced by his usual stern and dignified demeanor.
Rhaegar naturally agreed and followed him.
He took a moment to glance at the dejected Aegon, glaring at him while scolding, "Straighten your back and show the bearing of royalty! Don't let outsiders look down on us!"
These words weren't just to admonish Aegon but also intended for anyone listening.
Corlys, however, paid no attention and led the way without a care.
Aegon didn't quite understand but felt deeply aggrieved.
Still, out of fear of his elder brother, he reluctantly straightened his posture and managed his expression.
Rhaenyra found the scene amusing. Leaving the peacemaking Laenor behind, she naturally took Rhaegar's arm, standing united with him.
Though Rhaegar's approach was blunt, it was effective.
Rhaenyra rather liked his defiant demeanor.
They passed through the castle gates, climbed the winding stairs, and arrived at the so-called Hall of Nine.
Simply put—
It was a smaller version of a throne room.
The spacious hall had stone walls carved with the seahorse sigil of House Velaryon and a series of stained-glass depictions of ships braving the waves.
---
*This chapter was inspired by the scene in the show where Viserys is disrespected while seeking a match for Rhaenyra.*
*As I watched that moment, I couldn't help but wonder how "I" would protect my family in a similar situation.*
*(End of Chapter)*