He avoided the North.
That bitterly cold land had always been disconnected from the kingdom.
By the time the Starks led their army south, the war would likely be almost over.
Tylan continued, "The turmoil in the Vale is troublesome, but Gulltown has a port capable of supporting warships and a large number of soldiers."
"The Tyrells of the Reach must guard against a Dornish invasion, but the Redwynes of the Arbor possess a powerful fleet that can aid the battlefield."
"Besides that, Oldtown in the Reach and White Harbor in the North are among the kingdom's most significant ports."
Everyone listened in silence, agreeing with his analysis.
Rhaegar asked, "Lord Tylan, Oldtown and the Arbor are reasonable choices, but White Harbor is too remote, and Gulltown also has to support the Eyrie."
"Prince, while the war has yet to begin, we should do everything we can to move quickly," Tylan replied.
Rhaegar waved his hand, signaling him to continue.
Tylan added with a hint of reluctance, "The royal family has dragons. Dragons fly faster than ravens, and a royal envoy is far more persuasive than a letter."
"A good idea."
Viserys raised an eyebrow. "But there are too many places to go. My children won't be able to handle it all."
"Your Grace, Aegon's maternal family is House Hightower of Oldtown. If he goes there, Earl Jorbert will naturally assist in negotiating with the Tyrells and the Redwynes," Tylan began, addressing the easier tasks first. "Princess Rhaenyra can head to White Harbor and persuade House Manderly to send troops."
"Prince Rhaegar and Lady Jeyne are cousins. A dragon would intimidate the mountain clans and help secure Gulltown's support."
The plan was sound and reasonable.
Viserys hesitated, as was his habit, instinctively looking to Laenor for his opinion.
When it came to royal family matters, Laenor was always cautious. He spoke in a low voice, "A journey to the Vale could be dangerous."
The mountain clans were no mere rabble.
Several Lords of the Eyrie had met their end at the hands of the highland clans.
Corlys spoke up, "Your Grace, the mountain clans of the Vale are nothing more than a disorderly mob. A dragon will overpower them."
Rhaenys considered it for a moment before offering, "Let Laenor go. He can take Seasmoke to deliver the message and assess the real situation in the Vale."
Viserys hesitated even more.
He was inclined to agree with Rhaenys, but as Crown Prince, Rhaegar should be the one to represent the royal family.
Grand Maester Mellos reached into his satchel, as if recalling something, and suddenly said, "Your Grace, I have a letter from the Vale. It may provide some clarity."
He produced a letter, its seal stamped with red wax, which Ser Cole took and handed to the king.
Viserys opened it and read carefully.
"Runestone… Lady Rhea… wedding…"
His lips moved slightly as he murmured the words, his expression gradually darkening.
After a moment, he passed the letter to Laenor, displeased. "Lady Rhea of Runestone is engaged to her cousin, Gerold Royce, and plans to hold a wedding."
After Daemon had left for the Free Cities, Lady Rhea had petitioned Viserys multiple times for a divorce.
She had pestered him endlessly, and he had eventually granted her request.
Now, she had found herself a new husband.
Jasper Royce, face stern, commented, "Runestone is in the heart of the Vale. If Lady Rhea has the mind to hold a wedding, it seems the situation there is not too dire."
Laenor quickly read through the letter, his expression turning to surprise. After a moment's hesitation, he added, "The letter says that Lady Jeyne will be attending the wedding and hopes a royal family member will join as well."
"Pfft—"
Tylan couldn't hold back a laugh and quickly covered his mouth.
Lady Rhea, newly remarried, inviting a royal family member.
Was she hoping to invite her ex-husband, Daemon?
"This foolish woman. No wonder my wretched brother refused to share a bed with her."
Viserys' expression darkened, clearly annoyed by his former sister-in-law's audacity.
"Your Grace, this is good news,"
Lyman spoke steadily, "At least the Vale is still safe. If we send a dragonrider, we can gain significant support."
Viserys understood the importance of this and turned to his eldest son. "Rhaegar, what do you think?"
Securing Gulltown's port would ensure access to the Vale's entire military force—a guaranteed advantage.
Rhaegar had no objections. Smiling, he replied, "No problem. The mountain clans are no more formidable than the Crabfeeder's men on the Stepstones. Caraxes will handle them."
The mountain clans were savage.
Savage meant ignorant.
Under dragonfire, they would do nothing but kneel and beg for mercy.
"Father, let me go with Rhaegar."
Rhaenyra leaned on Viserys' shoulder and softly pleaded.
Viserys frowned and said, "You still have to go to White Harbor."
"I haven't seen Cousin Jeyne in a long time, and I can also look after Rhaegar."
Rhaenyra used Jeyne as an excuse, unwilling to let her younger brother travel to the Vale alone.
"That would leave a gap."
Viserys rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
Rhaenys spoke at the right moment. "Laenor can handle it. Corlys and Earl Manderly are friends—he'll bring back good news."
Rhaenyra's lips curled into a smile, and she shot her aunt a grateful look.
Rhaenys shook her head and avoided her gaze.
Her two granddaughters were still waiting for Rhaenyra to bring them dragon eggs—it was a good opportunity to build rapport in advance.
Seeing the aunt and niece reaching an agreement, Viserys was pleased to witness such harmony among his family members. He reminded her, "Go and return quickly. You still have two children to take care of."
"I will."
Rhaenyra smiled warmly—she was excited to ride dragons with Rhaegar again.
With that, the meeting concluded, and the ministers returned to their duties.
---
Time passed quickly, and night fell.
**Red Keep, Forge Room**
Clang… clang…
In the dimly lit chamber, the rhythmic hammering of metal echoed continuously.
In front of a massive forge, a foreign blacksmith wielded a hammer, striking a freshly forged rippled steel sword.
One apprentice worked near the forge, while another sat on the ground, polishing an item.
Creak—
The wooden door of the forge opened, and Rhaenyra, dressed simply, stepped in lightly, scanning the room.
The glow from the forge cast a reddish hue over half of the chamber, its heat scorching the air.
"Rhaegar…"
Rhaenyra immediately spotted Rhaegar lying on a reclining chair and walked toward him helplessly.
He had insisted on checking the progress of the weapon forging, even skipping dinner.
The chair faced the fireplace, and Rhaegar lay on his back, resting. The fire's glow reflected a healthy flush onto his usually pale cheeks.
He had been watching so intently that he had unknowingly fallen asleep.
Rhaenyra parted her lips but refrained from waking him.
Rhaegar had always struggled with sleep, so whenever he managed to doze off, she preferred to let him rest a little longer.
"Sleep… You have your own little kitchen. You won't go hungry."
She sat lightly on the edge of the chair, gently stroking Rhaegar's face.
The blacksmiths were used to this sight and continued working in silence.
---
**From Another Perspective…**
Rhaegar found himself within a dream.
A vast, boundless lake stretched before him, with an island at its center.
The midday sun cast golden light over the emerald waters, making them shimmer. Black swans glided gracefully across the lake's surface.
"Hiss—screech!"
A dragon's roar echoed across the landscape as a massive silver dragon soared over the lakeshore.
The War of the Stepstones was still in its preparation stage—perhaps a trip to the Vale could bring in some reinforcements.
(End of Chapter)