Chapter 68: The Silver Wedding
Summerhall
The bells echoed throughout the growing city, and every busy resident knew what that meant. Almost everyone stopped what they were doing and erupted into deafening cheers.
Hugh was building a wall for his new house. He had left King's Landing with his family three months ago. Due to the recruitment order issued by Zesar Weaver, the envoy sent by the Varezes Family to King's Landing, blacksmiths were treated far better than those who stayed behind. The Varezes Family also provided a generous resettlement fee.
Hugh had been tempted. His daughter was recovering, but his family still struggled to make ends meet. Fortunately, he possessed solid skills and was confident he could pass the test set by the blacksmiths sent by the Varezes Family.
The Seven Gods had blessed him—he succeeded and received twenty-five silver stags as a resettlement reward. After arriving at Lace Town by ship and then traveling to Summerhall with the other immigrants, his daughter received a paid consultation from Scholar Evans at the Sept of the Mother, just outside the Summer Palace.
This was a tradition left behind by Dragonzel's father: the students of Dr. Visari and the apprentices of Zesar Weaver were required to provide medical services to the people periodically. This ensured that, even without recognition from the Citadel, these practitioners of the Varezes Family possessed advanced medical expertise.
Hugh's daughter received thorough treatment, and after several months of therapy, she was healthy once again. Gratitude filled his heart toward his lord.
"The Seven Gods bless House Varezes!" Hugh shouted, joining the cheers of the common folk.
A mighty roar split the skies.
Vermithor roared first, followed by Silverwing and Shadow Nightmare. Then came the voices of Meleys (the Red Queen), Caraxes, and Syrax, each letting out powerful, celebratory cries. Vhagar's deep, ancient roar followed—lazy, yet overwhelming, second only to Vermithor's might. Sunfyre, along with Vermax, Arrax, and Tyraxes, added their voices in a rising and falling chorus.
The dragons seemed to be singing.
Inside the grand hall, Dragonzel Varezes, clad in Valyrian steel armor known as the Dragon Knight, stood beside the brazier with a faint smile, waiting for the bride. At his side stood his brother, also armored in Valyrian steel.
"Brother, I'm a bit nervous, to be honest," Valarr admitted, his voice slightly uneasy. Yet the cool, steady sensation of the Valyrian steel armor helped calm his mind.
"You drank my blood, right?" Dragonzel asked quietly.
Valarr nodded.
"Good," Dragonzel said with a slight nod. "Relax. This is a mixed ceremony. Septon Corlen and Steward Aemond will officiate." A faint, mysterious smile crossed his lips. "I promise there won't be any wedding mischief."
"That's reassuring," Valarr said, straightening his posture as he prepared for the bride's arrival.
King Viserys I Targaryen sat upon Dragonzel's dragon-glass throne, completely absorbed in its comfort. The throne radiated a perfect balance of warmth and coolness, easing the lingering pain from the slow-healing wound on his back.
Unlike the King, who looked almost drowsy, the others in the hall were far more lively.
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen sat among the lords of the North and the Vale, raising goblets in celebration. Lord Forrest Frey of the Riverlands and his wife Sabitha Frey, along with Lord Samwell Blackwood and Lord Petyr Piper, joined them in drink and conversation.
The Crownlands nobles and many southern lords, led by Lord Thaddeus Rowan, gathered nearby. From the Stormlands, Lord Borros Baratheon had arrived with a host of nobles, offering toasts to both the Princess and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.
On the other side of the hall, many lords surrounded the Queen. Lord Grover Tully and Lord Jason Lannister stood beside her, along with Aegon Targaryen (Aegon II), Ser Borros Baratheon, Lord Hobert Hightower, and a large group of southern nobles.
Only Lord Corlys Velaryon, the "Sea Snake," sat somewhat apart, alongside envoys from Dorne and across the Narrow Sea. His weathered face, marked by sun and sea winds, showed his age. After a moment of hesitation, he finally chose to sit beside his wife.
Near the Princess and the Prince.
Dragonzel noticed the clear factional divisions within the hall—but today, none of that mattered.
Today was his wedding.
Silver and purple silks bearing the sigil of House Varezes adorned the entire hall. Musicians began to play soft, elegant melodies, and the noise gradually faded into silence.
The grand doors opened.
Lynn and Aslan stood at either side as the procession entered. Lord Randyll Tarly and his wife guided the bride forward. Behind them walked Septon Ke'erlun, barefoot and clad in simple gray robes, holding The Seven-Pointed Star.
Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, along with others, carried the bride's train as she advanced slowly toward the brazier.
The bride, Lady Diana Tarly, wore a silver gown embroidered with a silver dragon and hunting motifs. She curtsied gracefully before the groom.
Dragonzel accepted a silver laurel wreath from Steward Aemond and gently placed it upon her head.
"By the Seven Gods," Septon Ke'erlun began solemnly, opening the sacred text. He recited the Andal wedding vows with reverence.
"The Seven bless this union," Septon Corlen concluded after the lengthy blessing. "May your line be strong, your children many, and your vows eternal."
Then Aemond stepped forward to begin the second ceremony.
Switching to High Valyrian, he spoke:
"Blood and fire forged the ancient lineage. Now, that lineage shall be strengthened anew."
"The descendant of the Bronze Dragon King—Dragonzel of House Varezes—shall pass on his pure silver blood. He takes to wife Lady Diana Tarly of the Marches, descendant of the First Men, a hunter swift and true."
Dragonzel followed an ancient custom—but with his own variation.
Instead of cutting his lip, he cut his palm.
Blood flowed freely as he dipped his finger into it and wrote the Valyrian words for silver and blood upon Diana's forehead.
Diana did the same, carving her palm and writing dragon and fire upon Dragonzel's forehead.
Their hands clasped tightly.
Their mingled blood dripped into the brazier—
—and the flames surged violently upward.
Beside them, Valarr and Leira repeated the ritual.
This time, those holding the bride's train included Prince Lucerys Velaryon and others.
"Blood and fire as one—vows eternal," Aemond chanted, completing the ancient Valyrian rite.
The music swelled.
King Viserys rose first in applause.
The entire hall erupted into cheers.
Aegon even leapt onto the table, shouting wildly—only to be quickly pulled down by Aemond before causing further chaos.
At the King's command, the wedding feast began.
And with it, celebration filled Summerhall.
Tomorrow, the grand tourney would begin.
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