When the trial ended and the new Queen was crowned, a grand feast commenced.
The Great Hall was filled with the clamor of voices as servants carrying food and wine weaved between the long tables.
At the banquet, no one mentioned Euron, whose body had been cast into the sea; it was as if he had never existed.
Due to Galon's previous performance, the captains present almost universally regarded him as the reincarnation of "Galon Whitestaff."
One by one, they took turns toasting him.
Galon declined no one. Amidst the clinking of cups, the atmosphere was harmonious and joyful.
Asha sat high upon the Seastone Chair, watching coldly as Galon socialized with the lords of the Iron Islands, great and small.
She wore a mask of shared celebration, but internally, she was gritting her teeth, suppressing an emotion that felt ready to explode.
Clearly, she was the Queen of the Iron Islands, yet everyone revolved around Galon.
'Is this what you wanted? Humph, if you think you can make me your puppet, think again!'
The rebellion in Asha's bones roared.
The way of the Iron Islands was never to accept passively, but to take by force.
'If I cannot surpass him immediately in military power or politics, then I will conquer him in other ways!'
'I am a woman; I should use a woman's advantages to defeat him. Regardless, I, Asha Greyjoy, will never admit defeat!'
A spark of resolve flashed in Asha's eyes, and her inner determination hardened once more.
At that moment, Galon seemed to notice Asha sitting alone on the high seat and immediately raised his cup, shouting aloud.
"Let us toast Queen Asha!"
As his voice fell, every captain rose simultaneously, raising their cups and roaring.
"Long live Queen Asha!"
"Long live the Iron Islands!"
Asha looked at Galon, who commanded the room with a single word.
She pursed her lips, then suddenly flashed a smile, picked up her cup, and stood to join the celebration.
"To Galon Whitestaff!"
Instantly, a synchronized cheer erupted in the hall.
"To Galon Whitestaff!"
Galon laughed and drained his wine in one gulp.
The atmosphere in the hall grew even more heated as everyone abandoned themselves to eating and drinking.
When the feast finally concluded, Galon arranged for men to escort the drunken captains back to their chambers in the Great Keep.
He then personally escorted Asha back to the Sea Tower.
The two did not speak along the way. The only sound was the crashing of waves against the rocks beneath Pyke.
They crossed the swaying rope bridge and arrived at the solar where Asha rested.
This solar, which had belonged to King Balon, had become the Queen's solar following her coronation.
"Then, Queen Asha, you should rest early. Tomorrow, we must discuss the deployment of troops with the captains."
Galon stood at the entrance of the Sea Tower.
He did not move forward, but instead made a gesture of farewell, preparing to turn and leave.
But Asha spoke behind him.
"Regarding our cooperation, I have a new idea."
Hearing this, Galon's eyes instantly turned calm. He paused and looked back at Asha.
"A new idea? I don't recall having any intention of changing the plan."
Asha let out a soft laugh, her expression meaningful.
"That is because I haven't said it yet. Once you hear it, you will naturally understand."
Galon narrowed his eyes, unable to fathom what game Asha was playing.
"Speak then."
In the end, he decided to give her the courtesy of listening.
To his surprise, Asha turned and walked toward her bedroom, speaking as she went.
"The doorway is no place for conversation. Follow me. We have all night to talk."
A look of contemplation appeared on Galon's face. His eyes flickered for a few moments before he followed her.
Once he entered the room, Asha, standing by the door, reached back and closed it.
This action caused Galon's brow to twitch imperceptibly, and his intuition confirmed his suspicions.
"Galon..."
Asha walked toward him step by step, her pace steady.
Her eyes burned in the flickering firelight, mixed with an emotion that was difficult to name.
"Or should I call you Galon Whitestaff?"
She stopped in front of him, so close that they could feel each other's breath.
Galon watched her silently, waiting for her next words.
"You gave me the crown, you gave me revenge, and you gave me... this damned situation where I have no choice but to depend on you."
The corner of Asha's mouth curled into a smile devoid of mirth.
"I know what you are doing. You are using me to control the Iron Islands, making them a part of your ambition, aren't you?"
"That is correct," Galon did not deny it, his gaze deepening. "So, what is this idea of yours?"
"The future of the Iron Islands cannot forever depend on the intimidation of a Galon Whitestaff!"
Asha's voice rose, carrying the blunt arrogance unique to the Ironborn.
"I do not want to be your puppet. I want to be your true, irreplaceable ally!"
She suddenly reached out and grabbed the front of Galon's leather brigandine, pulling him closer until they could smell the air each other breathed.
"Since you have bound me with strength and miracles, then I shall use the traditions of House Greyjoy to bind you and me—to bind Greyjoy and Glover—together forever!"
Galon understood her intention the moment she mentioned family traditions, and a look of amused exasperation crossed his face.
"Family traditions?"
He reached out with a finger to stop her further movement, asking with interest.
Seeing this, Asha was not discouraged.
"Have you not heard? The words of House Greyjoy: We Do Not Sow!"
"Oh?"
Galon's expression was cryptic.
"Then how do you intend to take by force?"
As the words left his mouth, Asha reached up and unfastened the buttons at her collar.
Her clothes slid down instantly, revealing a fit and wild physique.
Asha stepped back slowly, ensuring Galon could see her form clearly. She breathed heavily, displaying everything she was, her eyes filled with heat.
"Men conquer the world, and women conquer men. Galon, if we unite, it will make our alliance unbreakable!
I will bear you a son. He will inherit the name Greyjoy and sit upon the Seastone Chair.
His body will flow with the blood of Glover and the Kraken.
Your son... and even your descendants, will truly rule these islands forever!"
Shock flashed in Galon's eyes, and he immediately grasped Asha's motive.
She was using her own method to reverse the current situation, turning passive acceptance into active conquest and alliance.
Silence fell over the room for a brief moment.
In Galon's deep red eyes, countless thoughts whirled rapidly.
He scrutinized the dangerous and charming woman before him, evaluating the value of her bold proposal.
A son of my blood ruling the Iron Islands under the name Greyjoy?
Galon was a traveler from another world, and he knew very well that trying to implement a centralized government in the environment of Westeros was a fool's errand.
The feudal system in Westeros had existed for thousands of years, permeating every aspect of society.
Changing that mindset in a short time was impossible.
'Centralization is not feasible for now.'
'Using my bloodline to maintain a feudal system is indeed more stable in the long term than military conquest or religious intimidation.'
'Even if my descendants fight each other in the future, the meat stays in the pot.'
Faced with the highly seductive plan Asha proposed, Galon was moved.
He looked at Asha, a spark of desire flickering in his eyes, yet he continued to test her verbally.
"Queen Asha, you should be aware that I am betrothed. I cannot marry you! So, put your clothes back on.
I promise not to reveal tonight's events to anyone. Naturally, that includes your lovers."
Galon emphasized the word "lovers" to remind Asha that he was aware of her chaotic past, intending to lower her expectations.
As expected, a flash of embarrassment crossed the face of the politically young Asha.
But she quickly regained her composure and spoke directly.
"I do not want you to marry me!
I also know your ambition is to sit upon the Iron Throne, so you need a partner here who is truly part of this place and strong-handed, not a puppet.
I only hope that after you succeed, you can give the Iron Islands a suitable reward. As for lovers..."
A trace of sadness flickered in her eyes before returning to coolness.
"Qarl is dead. He died in the Wolfswood! I will never have another lover again."
"A suitable reward?"
Galon ignored the answer regarding her lovers and instead weighed the meaning of "suitable reward."
After a long silence, the corner of his mouth curved into a smile, and he made his decision.
"An excellent deal, Queen Asha! You are right. I indeed need an ally like you."
Galon's gaze swept over Asha without reservation.
"Then it shall be as you wish. Let us create this future with our own hands."
He slowly unbuckled his leather armor, revealing powerful muscles, and spoke in a low voice.
"Now, kneel. Submit to me."
Asha's gaze dropped slightly, a flash of shock in her eyes.
Like a pilgrim, she slowly knelt, until the two were entwined.
The lamplight cast their joined silhouettes against the ancient stone walls, and the sounds of their passion echoed softly through the heart of Pyke until dawn.
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