Chapter 164 Declaration of War

"Lord Caesar! You have gone too far!"

Natalie Dane shouted angrily, but she couldn't hide the smile in her purple eyes.

"Miss Natalie, where did I go too far?" Samwell was inspecting the grape plantations in his territory when he saw the Countess of Starfall City coming to the door aggressively.

"I've been waiting in Highgarden for so many days, but you haven't come yet!"

"There are too many things going on in the territory and I can't spare time for the time being." Samwell rubbed the little girl's head out of habit, "How is Highgarden? Is it fun?"

"Highgarden is so beautiful!" Natalie was easily changed the subject, and she didn't care about getting angry with Samwell, and started chattering about her experience in Highgarden.

Rose flowers, river cruises, hunting activities, bonfire dinners... There are also various delicacies and wonderful performances. In short, the meaning behind the words is the same -

It's a big loss that Samwell didn't go.

"It seems that you are doing well in Highgarden." Samwell listened patiently and then asked, "Have you met Lady Olenna?"

"I've seen her. She's such a nice person. She's not at all as scary as people outside describe her."

Samwell smiled coldly: "It seems that everything is connected in series. That's just right. If you release the news, it means that Count Natalie will announce something important tomorrow and ask all the vassals of the Dane family to come. I would like to

Let's see if the Sand Snake and the people she has connected dare to come."

The room is richly decorated, with a huge feather bed, and the four legs are carved in the shape of long swords. The curtains do not use the purple of the Dane family, but the sky blue of the Caesar family to show respect for the guests.

After that, Natalie stayed at Eagle Beak Island for three days, until on the fourth day, Samwell brought her a surprise.

"Okay." Natalie nodded subconsciously, but then said pitifully, "Sam, can you go back with me?"

"Okay." Samwell took the parchment and looked through it expressionlessly, discovering that there were actually twelve vassals of the Dane family who were not here.

"Sir, here is the list of vassals who have not come yet."

Samwell felt this and asked: "What's wrong? Are you worried about tomorrow?"

"The Iron Throne has declared war on House Martell." Samwell crumpled the letter into a ball, his eyes complex.

When I opened the door, I saw Natalie Dane standing outside the door.

Moreover, it is only the Iron Throne that declares war on Dorne. He is not a noble of the royal family and does not need to lead an army to respond immediately.

The afternoon sun shines through the sparse grape vine branches and leaves, casting mottled light and shadow on the two people. Birds are chirping in the forest, waves are rolling on the sea, and there is a quiet and warm smell in the air.

Samwell didn't panic much, after all, he had anticipated this day.

"Mom is here, are you leaving?" Natalie's eyes were like an abandoned animal.

"Thank you for your hospitality, master. I was about to go and thank you in person."

"This is different." Samwell could only explain patiently, "Last time you were just my little maid, but now you are the countess of Starfall City. Your every move represents the Dane family. You can't

Do whatever you want. You can use various excuses not to participate in the war this time, but you must not join the side of the Iron Throne. That will make your subjects alienated from you. You know, the Dornish people have always been xenophobic..."

Samwell was a little surprised when he heard this. The "Queen of Thorns" saw such an unmarried countess wandering in front of her eyes, but she had no idea?

"Haha, it seems that she likes you very much. Have you introduced any young heroes to you?"

Samwell patted Natalie's slightly trembling hand and comforted:

"Mother, are you here to accompany me back to Starfall City?" Natalie asked expectantly.

"Prince Oberyn's illegitimate daughter, Nymeria Sand."

Natalie was so excited that she jumped up and down holding her mother in her arms.

Because God was unfavorable, the welcoming ceremony was sloppy and short, and everyone entered the castle in a slightly embarrassed manner.

After she calmed down, the three of them got on the boat and headed towards Starfall City on the other side.

"Sam...am I not suitable to be a lord..."

"Who's coming?"

Just when Ashara was about to refuse, Samwell quickly advised: "Madam, the war is about to start, you'd better go back with Natalie for a while. I believe you must be worried deep down, otherwise I will send someone

When notified, you will not appear immediately."

Viscount Hughes looked embarrassed this time: "My lord, Miss Nymeria is not in the city."

"I do have to leave. After all, you know that there is going to be a war. But don't worry, I will definitely help you stabilize the situation in Starfall City before leaving."

"Oh, by the way, let the Sand Snake from Sunspear come to the meeting too."

"She's not here?"

It was sunny when we set out, but it was raining heavily when we arrived.

Samwell stepped forward and rubbed the little girl's hair, comforting: "No one is born to be a lord. You are still young. It is normal to be a little confused and scared. It will be fine in the future. Besides, I will help you."

, yes, and your mother, isn’t she here too this time?”

Natalie nodded, then shook her head, her eyes showing fragile confusion:

"What's wrong? Sam."

"Yes, mother, please! Come back with me!" Natalie hugged her mother's waist and refused to let go.

It seems that the prestige of the countess she supports in the Dane family's territory is indeed very limited, so many people dare to blatantly ignore her summons.

The Countess of Starfall City changed into a simple purple dress, which just matched her purple eyes. A silver satin ribbon was tied around her waist, highlighting her slender waist and soft dark long skirt.

The hair was exuding a fragrant water vapor, and it looked like it had just been washed.

There was a gap of time, enough for him to make proper arrangements for Starfall City.

Although he had anticipated this day, and he was the driving force behind this battle, when the horn of war actually sounded, the aura of iron and blood that hit his face still made him speechless for a moment.

Then the two of them continued to walk in the vineyard, but the leisurely atmosphere was no longer the same. Natalie was no longer interested in talking, she just held Samwell's arm and was lost in silence.

"Can I come in?"

The corners of Samwell's mouth turned up, and his smile was cold: "The Red Viper has so many illegitimate daughters. One of them died in King's Landing, and now he has sent another one to Starfall. Isn't he worried about losing his heir?"

"yes."

"If he continues to be so arrogant, one day he will be like this." Samwell put the parchment away and ordered, "Inform the vassals who have arrived that Earl Natalie will hold a meeting tomorrow morning and invite them to attend.

"

"No." Natalie shook her head, and the bells decorated in her hair rang softly, "I would refuse even if you were introduced."

"Then you take me with you!" Natalie hugged Samwell's arm, "You took mine with you last time we fought."

This respect made Samwell feel quite comfortable.

Viscount Hughes chuckled: "My lord, the Red Viper's illegitimate children are all over Dorne. It is not easy to exterminate him."

Or was the old lady worried about offending him?

If this is the case, then Highgarden should have regarded Starfall as Samwell's sphere of influence by default.

Samwell couldn't say any more, because the little girl in front of him began to cry, and the tears fell straight down like broken pearls.

Ashara sighed and finally nodded.

This sea route is not far. We set off in the morning and arrived just after noon.

Natalie held Samwell's hand and couldn't stop talking, talking about all kinds of trivial things, asking funny or interesting questions, and time passed quickly during this conversation.

Samwell's pretentious look made Natalie giggle.

Unfortunately, such beautiful times are always short and fragile.

The floor was covered with a soft Myr carpet, a bonfire had been lit in the fireplace, and Samwell had just taken off his wet coat and hung it by the fireplace.

"Of course, this is your territory."

"Well, I will return to Starfall City with you. However, there is no need to worry. You first write a letter to summon the vassals, and we will wait a few days before returning."

After Viscount Hughes left, Samwell took a shower, changed into dry clothes, and was about to go out for a walk when he heard a knock on the door.

Seeing that Samwell remained silent, Viscount Hughes added: "My lord, Sunspear has also sent people. They have brought Prince Doran's recruitment order and asked Starfall City to send troops."

Maester Qyburn hurried over and handed Samwell a letter from King's Landing.

Viscount Hughes handed over a piece of parchment and said:

"Lady Ashara." Samwell also smiled and stepped forward to say hello.

"Feel sorry……"

Natalie became even more frightened, her face turned visibly white, and she immediately hugged Samwell's arms tighter:

"Sam, then, what should I do?"

"Yes, sir."

"Okay." Natalie agreed without asking Samwell the reason for this arrangement.

"Mother!" Natalie exclaimed, excitedly throwing herself into the arms of the veiled woman.

Samwell was personally led to his room by Viscount Hughes.
To be continued...