We Bleed Silver(GOT/ASOIAF Fanfic)

On the very day Draezell arrived at Horn hill, Highgarden also received its noble guests—Sir Ormund Hightower and Prince Daeron Targaryen, who had been fostered in Oldtown. The young prince would, at the appropriate time, become Sir Ormund's squire. The heir to the hightower throne brought with him a massive entourage of 800 people, including 60 landed knights. The Lord of Highgarden, the young Loras Tyrell, could not refuse their arrival. Thankfully, his wife, Lady Jeyne Fossoway of House Fossoway, was skillful in her handling, or else Highgarden would have been thrown into disarray by the Hightowers' visit.

Lady Jeyne prepared a luxurious palace with a garden for the heir of the Great Tower and the young prince. Marble fountains, lush flowerbeds, and towering ancient trees surrounded the palace, and the Tyrells even drew underground water to build a bathhouse that could provide hot water at any time. Even the fastidious Sir Ormund Hightower could find no fault.

"Prince," Sir Ormund said, approaching the young Daeron, who was deeply absorbed in reading Highgarden's extensive library.

"Uncle," the young prince responded, startled as he stood up to greet his maternal uncle. "Sorry, it's my fault."

Sir Ormund smiled as he patted the prince's silver hair. "Loving to read is a good thing. Oldtown has the largest library in Westeros. When you are older, I will bring you the books from there."

"So, uncle, why didn't we wait for Draezell and my... strong nephew in Oldtown?" Daeron hesitated, whispering the latter term. "I remember the letter said his Great Tour would arrive in Oldtown."

"Highgarden is more suitable, Your Highness," Sir Ormund said, placing a hand on Daeron's shoulder without directly answering the question. "Neither the Hightowers nor the Tyrells have daughters of appropriate age. The two families hosting the prince and prince together will better demonstrate the hospitality of the lords of the Reach. It will also save the prince time, after all, Dorne is still at war."

Hearing of war, no boy could remain calm. Daeron, of course, was no exception. He perked up as soon as he heard about the conflict in Dorne. "Uncle, how is the war in Dorne going now? Why aren't we joining the fight?"

"The prince has already taken control of all the lands in the Stone Road. Now, with the three false kings of Dorne waging war against each other, many Dornish have fled to the prince's lands. There, ports, cities, and castles are being built, and the prince is providing them with bread and copper." Sir Ormund explained. "Your Highness, war is not so simple. If we were to join in the name of the kingdom, it would be a disaster."

Daeron nodded, though he was only partially understanding. "The letters from King's Landing say that my two brothers will join at the right time. What about me? Tessarion can already carry people, though it can't fly very far."

"Blue Queen" Tessarion, Prince Daeron's dragon, was a cobalt-blue young dragon with bright copper-like claws and a crown of horns. Unfortunately, it was still very young, and without another dragon to accompany it in flight, it had to remain in Oldtown.

"Listen, Your Highness," Ormund whispered into the prince's ear. "Unless Tessarion grows to a size that can withstand the threats of arrows and spears, neither King's Landing nor we will approve of your participation in the battle."

"Ah\~" Prince Daeron looked disappointed.

"Your Highness, Prince Draezell represents a new force, the kingdom's situation has already changed, but we are a step too late. Princess Rhaenyra has already placed a heavy bet on him, and the two Strong brothers following them speaks volumes." Ormund's voice became more serious. "If you want to reclaim your brother's inheritance, we need allies, at the very least to keep the Targaryens neutral."

"What should I do?" Daeron stared with his wide, clear eyes, still unsure of what to think. His mind was a blank slate.

"Show the prince the true royal bloodline ability and leave a good impression in his eyes." Ormund continued quietly. "At least be better than the Strongs. After all, you both carry the blood of the Dragon Kings, with silver hair and purple eyes. The rest, we will handle."

Daeron nodded, still confused.

\---

Horn hill, Main Hall.

"Sir Harwin, perhaps you should clarify yourself." Lord Tarly looked displeased at the uninvited guest before him. "Horn hill respects its guests, but uninvited ones are another matter."

Draezell sat quietly, watching harwin Tyrell, saying nothing as though waiting for harwin to continue.

"Your Highness," harwin thought for a moment before deciding to lay their request and stakes on the table. "House Tyrell seeks your support."

"Do you know what you're saying?" Lord Tarly suddenly took a step forward and confronted harwin, raising his voice. "You wish for a royal prince to take sides?"

"Lord Tarly, let Sir harwin continue," Draezell said as he entered the main hall, signaling for everyone to sit and speak. Only then did Lord Tarly relent, letting harwin go and guiding Draezell to the seat of honor.

Lord Tarly took his own seat across from harwin, still looking disgruntled.

"Your Highness, the situation in the Reach is complicated, not something that can be explained in a few words," harwin sighed. "House Tyrell holds the title of Governor of the Reach and Lord of Highgarden, but they have no more power over the Reach's nobles than any other guardian house. Lord Tarly's departure is a huge loss to us. As members of House Tyrell, we find it hard to accept this result."

"But Lord Tarly's loyalty to me is legal, after all, I am now the Governor of the Borderlands," Draezell smiled, his tone light. "Or is there something more valuable that Highgarden is offering me?"

"We are fully aware of that, Your Highness," harwin explained. "We simply seek your support when it matters most. Highgarden can provide all the support you require."

"We do not need support at the moment, my lord," Draezell crossed his arms and rested his chin on his hands. "A prince and a few minors Lords should be enough to solve a problem like this; we do not need a high Lord's involvement."

"Food, gold, population, craftsmen," harwin said. "Your Highness, support is not just about troops."

"How do you plan to transport all of this?" Lord Tarly frowned. "Will we have wagons full for everyone to see, with Highgarden supporting the war in Dorne?"

"No, my lord, there is more than one way," harwin hurriedly explained. "The prince can issue a decree in the Reach to recruit craftsmen. Thousands of skilled craftsmen will volunteer to come to the prince's lands. The quality products from the prince's lands are exactly what Highgarden needs, so we will buy Vaelarys silk, glassware, wines, and iron tools at high prices. Your family's merchants will also be able to purchase sufficient grain at favorable prices."

"Thank House Tyrell for their plan on my behalf," Draezell said. "So, what do I need to give in return? Publicly declare Lord Loras as my friend? Or, when necessary, ride my dragon to Highgarden for a visit?"

"Your Highness, if that were possible, House Tyrell would be eternally grateful for your generosity." harwin was elated but faltered when he saw Draezell's half-smile. "Your Highness, House Tyrell has only one wish. We hope to have one of our daughters marry the future son of House Vaelarys or, at the very least, become a companion to one of your future heirs."

"Oh?" Draezell maintained his amused expression. "Does Sir harwin believe your family can compete with the royal family?"

"We do not seek your sons or daughters, Your Highness," harwin bowed low. "A union of blood would provide us with solid support. House Tyrell will stand behind all your decisions."

"I will consider it, Sir harwin. Please convey my thoughts to Lord Loras." Draezell straightened up. "I value his friendship, and I hope he does not break his word."

"I will, Your Highness." harwin beamed with joy, his face glowing with a smile.

"Your Highness, now it is our turn." After harwin had finished his speech, Lord Tarly took the broken heart from an attendant, knelt on one knee before Draezell.

"I, Lord Donald of Horn hill, of House Tarly, swear allegiance to Prince Draezell of House Vaelarys, that the Fleet Hunter will always be the vanguard for the Silver Dragon. Until arrows break and bloodlines are severed, I swear this on the blood of my ancestor, Gals the Bluehand." He raised the broken heart above his head. "May the gods, old and new, witness."

"I accept your oath," Draezell stood and took the broken heart, tapping Lord Tarly lightly on the shoulder in a symbolic gesture before returning the heart to him.

"House Tyrell witnesses this, Lord Donald. May your hunting bow remain strong," Sir harwin offered, acting as the former lord's witness.

"Very well, now we shall discuss another matter, Lord Tarly." Draezell looked directly into Lord Tarly's eyes, smiling as he spoke.