Chapter 544: Pampering Maekar

Chapter 544: Pampering Maekar

One day and night later.

Rhaegar held the letter in his hands, barely recognizing the High Valyrian script on it. "A letter from Aegon?" he murmured.

Rhaenyra leaned closer, her fragrant presence enveloping him. "Who else could write such terrible handwriting?" she teased.

Rhaegar's face darkened. He handed the letter to Maekar, who was nestled in his arms, and threatened, "If you write like this, I'll chop off your paws."

Maekar withdrew his hand quickly and replied, "Grand Maester Munkun said that my handwriting is quite good."

Rhaegar rolled his eyes and tried to decipher the contents of the letter. It could be summarized in one sentence: Astapor's defenses are weak. Can we attack the city quickly?

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes, leaned over Rhaegar's back, and hugged his neck. Biting his ear lightly, she whispered, "Do you want to?"

"The child is still here," Rhaegar replied, pursing his lips in mock annoyance.

Maekar silently turned his head to look out at the bustling city below the Black Wall.

The family of three was in Volantis. Aegon, who was far away on the Stepstones, was now the main force attacking Slaver's Bay.

Rhaenyra smiled and asked, "I said, should we attack Astapor?" She paused deliberately, adding to the tension.

As the Queen of Lys and Queen of the Realm, Rhaenyra was always under high pressure. Not only was she busy with government affairs, but she also had to guard against any rivals who dared to climb into her husband's bed. The duty of bearing children almost deprived her of her freedom.

Not to mention the long-established Slaver's Bay, even the newly conquered Volantis was her first step. She couldn't wait to fight and repeat the feats of Queen Visenya.

Rhaegar broke free from her soft embrace and leaned against the parapet. He had already made up his mind. "Wait a little longer. Astapor will be ours."

The sky above was blue and white, and the Black Wall towered beneath their feet. Rhaenyra looked up and down at Rhaegar, enchanted by his commanding presence, and whispered, "Oh?"

In her heart, she whispered to herself. She was already thirty years old. Even though she had received some kind of blessing, her appearance still remained around twenty, and her figure was still slender and graceful. But she still had to deal with anxiety.

After all, Helaena, who had fought many battles with Rhaegar, was younger and more beautiful, and had more achievements than she did.

In contrast, Rhaegar was only twenty-two years old, in the prime of his life. His good looks were celebrated throughout the Seven Kingdoms and beyond. Of course, the tales of the ruin maker may have spread even further.

Rhaegar did not know what she was thinking. He placed Maekar on the parapet, where his small body could be overturned by a gust of wind.

Rhaenyra's expression tightened, but she chose to trust him.

Maekar sat on the cold black stone, his legs dangling over the edge of the wall, his pale face taut with anxiety.

Rhaegar leaned over the parapet, his elbows resting on the stone, and asked his young son, “Are you afraid?”

“No,” Maekar replied, leaning back slightly, though his voice lacked conviction.

Rhaegar chuckled, “Anyone who isn’t afraid is a fool. Only your brother Baelon would dare to do this.”

Rhaegar smiled and said, “Think about it slowly. You’ll understand later.” He decided to keep Maekar in Volantis for a while to observe the cruel rules of the Free Cities. Baelon and Aemon's personalities were already set, with no major changes expected in the future. Maekar was still young and more malleable.

“Okay,” Maekar agreed, even though he didn't fully understand.

The child didn't grasp it, but Rhaenyra, who was listening, did. Thinking of Johanna's struggle with the foreign powers and the three Free Cities of Slaver's Bay, Rhaenyra suddenly realized, “The three Free Cities will attack each other?”

“They won't have a chance,” Rhaegar shook his head. “Aegon harasses Astapor, and Daemon holds Yunkai in check. With two of the three cities under attack, Meereen is alone and cannot risk sending help. Slaver's Bay has no chance to unite and fight against the enemy together.”

Rhaenyra frowned slightly and guessed, “There will be problems within Astapor?”

“Aegon's dragon harassment has already established an implicit rule of oppression. The Good Masters in the city won't be able to withstand the pressure for long,” Rhaegar smiled, not denying her assumption.

According to the Red Priestess's intelligence, Meereen is the main force that worships the bastard Dragonlord. Just like the Triarchy in the past, when Lys controlled Morghul.

The other two Free Cities are just taking advantage of the situation. A group of despicable slave traders, without any sense of honor or decency. Without the substantial benefits brought by the bastards Dragonlords and the Smoking Sea young dragon, how could they be willing to die?

At that moment, footsteps approached from behind. Rhaenys, dressed in red armor and looking exhausted, walked over quickly and said in surprise, “I just returned from patrol and heard the news of your visit.”

“Aunt,” Rhaenyra said, smiling. The three of them had first traveled to the Worm River to see Aegon and then returned to Volantis. In total, they had only been there for a day.

Rhaenys was happy to see her family and asked, “How is Laena?”

“She’s fine. Daemon has already named Baela as his successor.” Rhaenyra’s expression was mixed, and she said it with some reluctance. She had thought Laena would break off the relationship, but she had blossomed. Mysaria, the White Worm, was in an awkward position, and Daemon had not said when he would marry her. Rhaenyra was not happy about being involved in this.

Rhaegar glanced at her and took her hand. Rhaenyra was taken aback for a moment, but then she smiled.

“Your Grace, Your Grace!” A voice called out urgently, and a blond figure came running. Tyland, with his back hair combed and stubble visible, panted, “The finances of Volantis have been handled properly, and the Tiger and Elephant parties have confiscated a lot of money.”

“Thank you, Tyland.” Rhaegar noticed the redness in the other's eyes and gave him proper encouragement: “I plan to let you stay in Volantis and serve as the chief advisor.”

“Really?” Tyland was both surprised and delighted, and quickly said, “Sorry, I’m just too excited.”

With the Tiger and Elephant parties out of power in Volantis, the management was left with only low-level officials. If he becomes the chief advisor, he will be comparable to the Hand of the King in Westeros. It’s much more valuable than being a Master of Ships with no real power.

Rhaegar nodded slightly in agreement. "You are the right man."

He then grabbed Maekar by the collar, placing him at Tyland's feet, and said solemnly, “He's yours. From now on, you'll be his teacher.”

“Huh?” Maekar was stunned. Tyland also reacted similarly, dumbfounded as he pointed at the little prince, who was no taller than his knees. “Isn't the Prince too young?” he asked helplessly.

“He is just a bit small,” Rhaegar admitted, his tone calm.

Tyland's heart sank. He didn't want to be a nanny for a child, no matter how noble. But before he could voice his thoughts, Rhaegar continued, “But Maekar is a little genius, and he won't give you too much trouble.”

Rhaegar's confident demeanor reminded Tyland of stereotypical parents who believe their children are prodigies. Tyland wanted to refuse but dared not speak up. He forced a smile that looked more like a grimace. “Your Grace trusts me, so I... I'll give it a try.”

“I'll try too,” Maekar said, his voice sullen as he grabbed Tyland's pant leg. He could sense the other man's reluctance. He was a flatterer who always had to be on his best behavior in front of his father.