Game of Thrones: I Created the Magic Web

Chapter 127: A Secret Betrothal

“Larraza.”

Joffrey explored her dark eyes, as if peering into some secret within.

“You are Sarella Sand?”

The king's voice, laden with intense spirit and magic, cut through the air, reaching everyone's ears.

Everyone couldn't help but be stunned, their eyes dazed.

The king nodded to himself, “It really is you, Sarella.”

No verbal response was needed; Joffrey had already confirmed the answer from her trembling eyes and the poisoned needle hidden between her fingers.

An unexpected surprise.

Sarella Sand, a bastard daughter of Prince Oberyn Nymeros Martell, the "Red Viper," was known for her vivacious nature, intelligence, love for learning, passion for history, and pursuit of the unknown and secrets.

Sarella and her seven sisters all bore the Dornish bastard surname "Sand" and were collectively known as the "Sand Snakes."

Although these eight Sand Snakes were nominally bastard daughters, Oberyn had given them the best protection and education, allowing them to grow up alongside the children of Sunspear and various Dornish lords.

Thus, the Sand Snakes became a significant force among the new generation of Dorne.

Joffrey liked this surprise very much.

He had long been contemplating Dorne, wondering when and how to break the ice and incorporate its strength into his domain. Now, a Sand Snake had delivered herself to his doorstep.

Sarella Sand.

He scrutinized the tense and wary Sand Snake with a teasing gaze.

“Could it be that Prince Doran intends to heed the Iron Throne's call, marching north to confront the rebels, and has sent you ahead to deliver a message, demonstrating his sincerity?”

Theoretically, this was indeed possible.

Oberyn's older brother was Doran Nymeros Martell, the Prince of Dorne, Lord of Sunspear, and liege lord to whom all Dornish vassals pledged allegiance.

Based on this relationship, Sarella was Prince Doran's own niece, qualified to act as a messenger or a hostage.

But in reality, Dorne would never willingly surrender now.

On one hand, Dorne's unique geographical environment, with its vast desert wilderness, hindered its connection with the other six kingdoms. Its economy was relatively independent, making it difficult for foreign armies to conquer completely.

Its culture and ethnicity, influenced by the Rhoynar, further weakened the Dornish people's sense of belonging to the Iron Throne.

To this day, Dorne is the only one of the Seven Kingdoms that still retains its royal title. The Martell family rulers and their children all enjoy the titles of "Prince" or "Princess."

Evidently, compared to other territories loyal to the Iron Throne, Dorne was more like a vassal state, or even a united kingdom.

For this reason, Dorne had ample reason and confidence to remain neutral, without needing to hastily take sides.

On the other hand, the Martell family stood by the Targaryen family during Robert's Rebellion, choosing to oppose the Baratheon uprising.

Prince Lewyn Martell and countless Dornish soldiers died in that war. Later, the Lannisters cruelly murdered Rhaegar's wife, Elia Martell, and her children in King's Landing.

Elia Martell was Prince Doran's only sister.

Although Hand of the King Jon Arryn personally traveled to Dorne afterward to conduct peace negotiations, leading to the renewal of their alliance.

Dorne had since forged an irreconcilable hatred with the Lannister family, while its support for the Iron Throne became even colder, and its isolationist sentiment grew stronger.

Joffrey also knew that the Martell family had been secretly supporting the Targaryen restoration.

Oberyn had personally traveled to Braavos, a Free City, and, with the Sea Lord of Braavos as witness, entered into a secret agreement with Ser Willem Darry, Viserys Targaryen's protector.

The two parties agreed that Viserys would marry Arianne Martell upon reaching adulthood, and Dorne would then launch an uprising to support Viserys in reclaiming the Iron Throne.

Varys, Pentos Magister Illyrio Mopatis, the exiled Jon Connington, and the Golden Company's commander, Myles Toyne, were also involved in this conspiracy.

But this plan had undoubtedly been completely shattered.

Joffrey extended his left hand, and Daenerys obediently pressed her cheek against it, lowering herself to sit on his lap as his hand moved.

“Daenerys, you might not know this, but Ser Willem Darry once found Viserys a fiancée.”

Joffrey looked at Sarella.

“What a perfect fiancée, Princess Arianne Martell, the heir to Dorne.”

Arianne!?

Sarella's gaze instantly shifted from Daenerys back to the king, meeting his mysterious and enchanting eyes, causing her to tremble uncontrollably.

“Too bad Viserys won't be needing her,” Joffrey said with regret.

“Alas, I truly worry about Princess Arianne's future. Who can she marry now? Willas Tyrell of Highgarden, or will she compete with Lady Margaery for Uncle Renly's affections?”

“I recommend Uncle Renly. Who says a king can only have one queen?”

“Oh, right, Uncle Renly isn't a king.”

Joffrey kindly stated, “But I can specifically issue an decree, permitting Uncle Renly to marry two wives. I hope Princess Arianne will be satisfied.”

Sarella continued to remain silent.

King Joffrey's words were too sharp and heavy, she completely didn't know how to respond.

Everything tonight had exceeded her expectations.

Everything had been going smoothly.

As Assistant Scholar Larraza, she had followed Doctor Marwyn and successfully arrived in King's Landing.

Next, she would quietly investigate King's Landing's secrets, cleverly obtaining the knowledge and information she desired.

No one would notice her, just like at the Citadel.

What an interesting adventure.

But, how could her identity be seen through so easily?

Is this magic?

Renly and the Tyrell family will fail?

Did her father and the others really support the Targaryens? Is King Joffrey targeting Dorne?

Excitement, panic, and other indescribable emotions surged into her heart. Sarella raised her head and met the king's gaze, striving not to avert her eyes, showing her resilience.

But she had nowhere to escape.

Joffrey then looked towards the golden-haired youth, “Leo Tyrell, has Highgarden sent you to sue for peace?”

“Lazy Leo” bowed respectfully.

“Your Majesty, although I am merely an assistant scholar, I have long dedicated everything to knowledge and truth, forgetting my surname. All matters concerning the Tyrell family are now past and have nothing to do with me.”

Joffrey picked up a six-pointed star badge, “Actually, I had already made up my mind.”

“In order to restore peace as soon as possible, unite the vassals of the Seven Kingdoms, and save the people from the flames of war, I am willing to endure criticism, break with tradition, and marry Lady Margaery as my second queen.”

Leo Tyrell looked at the king with a shocked expression.

Joffrey sighed, “It's just that the misunderstandings between the two sides are quite deep, and letters are not enough to convey sincerity. You are a suitable messenger. What a pity.”

“Now it seems that we can only quell the rebellion with blood and fire.”

Joffrey tossed down the six-pointed star.

The brass badge kept spinning on the table, making crisp collision sounds, becoming louder and louder, more and more urgent.

Before the six-pointed star completely stopped.

Leo Tyrell of the Tyrell family bowed solemnly.

“If it can stop the turmoil and save lives, one's own self-interest is not worth mentioning. What is it to be Leo Tyrell once more.”

“Your Majesty, Leo is willing to serve as a messenger.”

Friendly reminder: The website is about to be revised, which may cause the loss of reading progress. Please save "Bookshelf" and "Reading Records" in time (it is recommended to save screenshots). We apologize for the inconvenience!