The sun was just beginning to rise over the Red Keep when Rodrik Arryn and Jaymee finally rode through the gates of King's Landing. Dust clung to their cloaks from the long ride, their faces lined with weariness. They had planned to arrive a day earlier, but unexpected issues—a collapsed bridge near Harrenhal had delayed them by nearly half a day. There was no time for rest.
Barely an hour after arrival, Rodrik stood before King Viserys and the royal family in the throne room, offering his greetings and formal courtesies. The King, dressed in his royal leathers, received him warmly.
"Rodrik, you've arrived just in time," Viserys said, clasping his shoulder. "We leave within the hour."
Alicent stood beside the King, her smile measured stading alongside a maid carrying Aegon. Rhaenyra stood apart, dressed plainly but elegantly, watching Rodrik with a curious flicker in her eyes.
Rodrik bowed to them all in turn, his mind still half fogged with road dust and half focused on what came next.
As the royal retinue prepared to leave for the Kingswood, Rodrik stepped forward and addressed the King.
"Your Grace, before we depart, I have a small token for the royal household— prepared in the Vale, in honor of Prince Aegon's second nameday."
At Rodrik's signal, a covered wagon rolled forward, escorted by Vale men in deep blue and silver. The cover was pulled back, revealing a gleaming, finely crafted carriage, unlike anything the court had ever seen.
It was painted in royal crimson and gold, trimmed with dragon motifs and filigree detailing. But it wasn't the appearance alone that stunned the onlookers—it was what lay within.
Thick velvet cushions lined the interior. Suspension springs had been installed to absorb the jolts of the road, ensuring a smooth, gliding ride. A cooling mechanism using circulating water jars beneath the carriage floor helped keep the interior from baking under the summer sun. There were cup holders, detachable shade awnings, and even a foldable writing desk for the King to use during travel.
Gasps and murmurs swept through the assembled nobles and household members.
Viserys approached the vehicle to see the details of the extra additions then a normal Carriage. "Thank You for this thoughfull gift as my Queen Wife would surely appreciate this in her current condition."
Rodrik smiled modestly. "Thank You for your kind Words Your Grace."
Alicent leaned closer to inspect the carriage, her eyes lighting up with approval. "Thank you, Lord Arryn."
Even Rhaenyra raised an eyebrow. "Carefull Lord Arryn or my father would invite you quite often if you keep dilevering such splendid gifts.I am not sure you would like it here that much"
Viserys just laughed by saying the princess has a habit to jest.
Rodrik justed laghted & nodded.
Jaymee, standing beside Rodrik, whispered behind his hand, "You're trying to make the rest of us look bad."
Rodrik grinned. "Only a little."
With the royal wagon now added to the procession, the royal hunt began its departure. Guards rode ahead, clearing the way as banners bearing the sigil of House Targaryen fluttered in the breeze. Behind them, nobles, ladies, and courtiers followed on horseback and in carriages, trailing into the Kingswood like a gleaming parade of silk, steel, and ambition.
Rodrik rode near the front, beside Jaymee, his gaze sweeping the green canopy of trees ahead.
Rodrik didn't had any particular fondness for hunting nobody should anybody just for fun. Live & let live that was always his policy. So he was thinking about what relevant things must be happening in seven kingdoms like Daemon & Velaryon ongoing war in stepstones which they will win in some time maybe by next six months, Viserys must be pressuring Rhaenerya into getting married. Rhaenerya getting frustrated with it & Otto hightower must be convincing Viserys to name Aegon heir. Now the question arises does he want to do something about any of these. He can help in Daemons war it will get him linked to Velaryons & that could be good because they are the house with the strongest naval force if we leave Vale. Making friends of Daemon can be interesting yes he is a bit volatile & Yes he can kill you anytime he flip switches but what's life living like if not for some risks & fun.
So a decision has been made he will help Daemon as he is already going to win the war. He went near Jaymee & said " Help me send a letter to Daemon in the stepstones". Jaymee got confused Rodrik reassured him & told him content of the letters.
Regarding the drama of the royal family he doesn't want to get into it.
When they reached the location everybody clapped for Aegons. Then they started mingling & the politicking started. Many lords asked him about his rumours about him going on a Voyage with beautiful ladies & he just diverted the question without giving any clear answers. Then Otto Hightower found him in a corner with Jaymee. " Welcome to the Royal Hunt Lord Arryn I hope we are not keeping you from some very important work in Vale" Otto said. Rodrik replied " No such thing Lord Hand it is an honour for His Grace to invite me to such event". Otto did some small talks then asked " I have heart about some kind of mechanisation which people call an Iron Falcon which moves on heat & as per the rumours I have heard is very helpfull in many things. Is there truth to these tumors?".
Rodrik knew these types of question will come so he was ready " Yes Lord Hand I can assure you it will change the way you see world & I was hoping for having a private conversation with His Grace regarding this".
"You can discuss with me Lord Arryn I am his Hand & hence can help you regarding all your queries" Otto Said a little forcefully.
" Not to worry I will directly discuss with His Grace" Rodrik Told him & left.
He was just looking around then he saw Rhaenerya coming towards him with force & he knew something was wrong & by looking at her expression he is going to get dragged into it.
Trouble. He knew it before she even opened her mouth.
"Lord Arryn," she greeted curtly.
"Princess," he said with careful ease. "You look like you've just walked through a battlefield."
"I feel like it," she muttered. "A battlefield of pompous idiots and spineless sycophants."
Rodrik raised a brow. "I assume Lord Jason Lannister is involved."
Rhaenyra scoffed. "That peacock? He tried to present me with a spear and a marriage proposal in the same breath. As if my value begins and ends with what name I bear and what children I can produce."
"An impressive multitasker," Rodrik said dryly.
That got a snort from her, though her temper was not dulled. "And now my father is entertaining the idea. A marriage to Jason. Jason Lannister. As if he could command me, let alone keep up with me."
Rodrik said nothing immediately, letting her vent.
"Do you know what he said?" she continued. "That Casterly Rock is better than Dragonstone. That he could build a dragonpit for me."
"I'm sure he meant well," Rodrik offered, carefully.
Rhaenyra turned to him fully now, fire in her eyes. "Is that what you think I need? A pit to sit in?"
Rodrik paused. "No. I think you need space to soar."
That gave her pause.
They stood in silence for a moment, the wind rustling the branches above. Then her gaze softened slightly, though it still burned with fury beneath.
"You've done something no one expected," she said, "in the Vale. The old lords are in awe of you. The crown praises you. And yet you don't scramble for favor."
"Scrambling invites stumbles," Rodrik replied. "Besides, I know what I'm building. Not everyone has to understand it."
She tilted her head, studying him. "You and I are not so different."
"I'm not sure that's a compliment," Rodrik said.
Rhaenyra smirked, the first genuine smile he saw that day.
"It is."
Before she turned away, she added under her breath, "Don't let them box you in. And don't think they won't try."
"I could say the same to you, Princess."
She nodded and strode off again, her cloak billowing like dragon wings behind her.
Rodrik exhaled slowly and watched her go.