As Rodrik's ship approached King's Landing, the towering Red Keep came into view. The dull grey sky only made its blood-red bricks loom larger against the misty coastline. Standing at the bow, Rodrik's eyes locked onto the city. For a rare moment, the often composed young lord was mesmerized.
Behind him, Jaymee Royce leaned on the railing with a grin. "so we have finally arrived on the land of Power, Politics & Pleasure. By speaking of pleasure we will also get to meet Princess Rhaenyra who If there is any truth to the stories is the most beautiful woman in all the Seven Kingdoms. I mean all Targeryens are beautiful but the stories I have heard about her are something else so are you excited ?"
Rodrik didn't respond immediately. His gaze lingered on the city's chaotic sprawl.
In his mind, he mused: No matter how beautiful she is it's not worth the trouble which it will.bring me. so I need to keep my distance from her as I remember now is the time king Viserys was hounding her for getting married.
As the ship docked, the air of King's Landing hit him with its full force. The rancid stench of refuse, fish, sweat, and smoke overwhelmed his senses. He nearly doubled over but clenched his jaw, forcing himself upright.
Otto Hightower, the King's Hand, waited at the pier. Observing the young lord's reaction, he offered a dry smile.
"The scent of power, Lord Rodrik. You'll get used to it... or learn to hold your breath like the rest of us."
Rodrik nodded, straightening his collar. "It certainly has... character."
—
As they arrived at the Red Keep, anticipation stirred among the courtiers. Princess Rhaenyra, draped in regal blue and silver, stood with grace and patience near the main hall's entrance.
"So do you think if I take him to see Syrax & she ate him by mistake, Do you think father would be very angry?" she whispered to her friend Alicent who stood beside her.
Alicent smile wanted allarmingly. "For seven sake Rhaenyra please don't do something like this he is lord protector of Vale"
Rhaenyra gave a mischievous grin. "oh relax I was just jesting..Maybe "
—
As Rodrik stepped through the arching gates into the Keep, he couldn't help but notice the poor lining the streets outside its walls. Thin, sickly, desperate faces—some watching with hollow eyes, others too weak to care. It was a stark reminder of the disparity he'd left behind in the Vale.
Then his entered in the red keep after & at the front of him stood his welcoming commitee where stood a girl who he guessed is the princess based on her silver hair. When his eyes met Rhaenyra.
Time seemed to halt.
She stood poised, sunlight striking her silver platinum hair just right, features calm but curious. Rodrik's usually sharp mind stalled. He stopped walking. Every ounce of diplomatic finesse, political training, and noble decorum evaporated.
Rhaenyra & all the people around her was surprised because the lord of vale has suddenly stopped moving.
Rodrik just muttered, barely under his breath but clearly audible:
"Fucking hell."
Gasps echoed. A few courtiers choked on breath. Otto Hightower blinked, frozen mid-step. Alicents's smile thinned in surprise. Even Rhaenyra arched a brow, her expression caught between flattery and shock.
Rodrik quickly blinked, snapped out of it, and bowed low. "My deepest apologies, Princess. I meant no offense. Just... admiration poorly worded."
Rhaenyra, after a beat, let out a light laugh. "Well, you certainly don't lack honesty, Lord Rodrik."
The tension broke slightly with laughter among the younger courtiers. Otto, however, didn't laugh.