Chapter 56: Making Decisions

Chapter 56: Making Decisions

"You seem quite knowledgeable!" Rhaenyra remarked with a teasing grin, pinching Rhaegar's cheeks affectionately.

"Indeed, I've been exposed to countless books. My head is bursting with knowledge," Rhaegar replied, a hint of exasperation in his tone as he recalled his extensive but tedious education.

Humming softly, Rhaenyra leaned closer. "Since you're so smart, help me solve a dilemma."

"Go ahead," Rhaegar replied confidently.

"Father has proposed a marriage alliance for me with Laenor Velaryon, the Sea Snake's son," Rhaenyra revealed, her tone matter-of-fact, though she omitted the fact that Rhaegar himself was another potential suitor.

Rhaegar was taken aback, not expecting her question on the matter. Still a child, how could he understand the intricacies of politics?

After a moment's hesitation, Rhaegar ventured, "Do you have feelings for him?"

"No," Rhaenyra replied flatly.

Trying to process the situation, Rhaegar struggled with his young mind. "Is Father trying to make an alliance with the Sea Snake?"

Rhaenyra hugged him tighter, her tone light as she explained, "The Sea Snake is a renowned naval commander, and the Velaryon family's wealth and possession of three dragons make them a valuable asset worth pursuing."

"That sounds like a sound strategy, in line with Father's approach," Rhaegar observed, sensing his sister's reluctance and adopting a more serious tone.

"Tell me, should I accept the responsibility of being the heir?" Rhaenyra asked, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"In your position, I would have agreed," Rhaegar admitted quietly, looking away.

Rhaenyra grunted lightly and pushed him away. "I knew you and Father were in this together."

"No... I am not," Rhaegar protested anxiously. "But as heir, you may have to face challenges until a better solution is found."

"Am I the problem?" Rhaenyra asked, her displeasure obvious.

"No, It's the Sea Snake!" Rhaegar exclaimed as the realization dawned on him.

Rhaenyra choked on his words and rubbed her forehead, remembering, "Ever since Aunt Rhaenys missed out on the throne, the Sea Snake has held a grudge. His reputation as a troublemaker is well known."

"We may not be able to eliminate the trouble, but we can neutralize the source," Rhaegar asserted firmly.

"I may not be able to help you now, but harnessing the power of an adult dragon could be an invaluable aid," Rhaegar explained, rising from the bed to pull on his shoes. "I will find Lord Robert. He knows of Vermithor and Silverwing's nest."

"Do not be foolish. Haven't you learned enough from Dreamfyre's lessons?" Rhaenyra warned, grabbing his arm. "Adult dragons are dangerous. Vermithor in particular is known as the Bronze Fury. His temper is even fiercer than Dreamfyre's."

Rhaegar remained unperturbed, his confidence unshaken. "I almost tamed Dreamfyre once. I have the ability to tame a full-grown dragon."

Rhaenyra's gaze softened with a mixture of relief and helplessness as she squeezed his shoulder. "I will never allow you to risk your life for me, Rhaegar. Do you understand?"

Rhaegar's expression softened and he nodded in agreement. "I understand. I'll try to be a good brother."

Satisfied with his answer, Rhaenyra gently guided him back to bed, and Rhaegar fell silent, his mind consumed with thoughts of how to tame Vermithor or Silverwing.

As the lights dimmed, Rhaegar lay on his side, his resolve firm. "Father needs me, and so does Rhaenyra..."

With that, he drifted off to sleep, his determination to tame a full-grown dragon firmly planted in his mind.

...

The next day arrived and Rhaegar was awakened from his sleep by a knock at the door.

"Princess, the King has sent for you to discuss matters," Cole's voice echoed through the door.

"Understood, Ser Cole," Rhaenyra replied, quickly dressing before turning to Rhaegar. "No wandering off, understand?"

"I promise," Rhaegar assured her, patting his chest.

With a final admonition to Cole to keep an eye on her brother, Rhaenyra left the room.

Meanwhile, Rhaegar was fully dressed when the servant arrived with breakfast.

As he nibbled at a piece of bread, he glanced at Cole standing guard at the door and asked, "Would you like to join me for breakfast, Ser Cole?"

"Thank you, but there's no need to bother," Cole politely declined.

Accepting Cole's refusal, Rhaegar continued to eat alone, feeling a pang of regret that Erryk was not present and that the Kingsguard contingent consisted only of Captain Harrold and Cole. If Erryk had accompanied them, they could have shared a meal.

"Ser Cole, any news on the search for the young dragons?" Rhaegar inquired suddenly.