Chapter 155: Game of Thrones
"A very stringent regulation, suitable for the foundation of a new system," Viserys remarked, his eyes lighting up as he listened to his eldest son's proposal.
Dragons had always been the foundation of House Targaryen. The royal family's control over dragons could never be loosened.
Rhaegar's idea of a Master of Dragons and the system of changing surnames for newborns were both cornerstone strategies that would be beneficial in the future.
With that in mind, Viserys turned to Rhaenys and asked with a smile, "Cousin, what do you think of this proposal?"
Corlys lowered his gaze to his wife, deep in thought. He didn't want his wife to agree to this proposal.
It would mean that House Velaryon would be disqualified from riding dragons after Laenor's generation.
Rhaenys took her husband's hand, her eyes firm. "I agree with this proposal!" she exclaimed. Her last name was Targaryen, and her family's honor had been a part of her life.
There was no reason for her not to support what was beneficial to the family, even if it shattered her husband's unrealistic fantasies.
"Rhaenys..." Corlys's eyes were complicated, and his hands trembled slightly.
"Corlys, I've been pretending to be deaf and dumb for years, and I don't want to live that way anymore," Rhaenys said, gripping her husband's hand. The wrinkles at the corners of her eyes smoothed as she spoke.
"I respect your choice, but we have our own family and children," Corlys said, taking a deep breath and advising his wife to consider the situation.
His words were meant not only for her but for everyone in the room. House Velaryon had complied with the rules and should be compensated accordingly.
Rhaegar and Viserys exchanged a look, understanding passing between them.
Viserys patted his daughter's hand that was resting on his shoulder, stood up, and smiled. "Cousin, the position of Master of Dragons must be led by a Targaryen mature enough to have a calm disposition, and you are the best choice."
"And you would be willing to take away the power of the throne?" Rhaenys asked, giving him a sidelong glance, her tone cool. She knew her cousin's indecisive nature all too well.
"Rhaegar has made the importance of the Master of Dragons position clear, and the royal family has ignored that matter for far too long," Viserys said, unfazed by her tone. "You and I came from the Fire and Blood; we should trust each other."
"You're always so smooth-talking," Rhaenys said, her expression softening as she looked at her husband. Corlys pursed his lips and nodded lightly. He was a victim of the Master of Dragons system's benefits but had to admit its importance. He wanted to oppose it, but the power was not in his hands.
When the pirates of the Triarchy Kingdom attacked, Driftmark was the first to be jeopardized.
If he left now, he would only be giving away his house business and the dragons, effectively excluding himself from the center of power.
Patience! A politician must be aware of this.
"Your Grace, I am willing to accept the position of Master of Dragons," Rhaenys said with a smile.
"Very well. Lord Lyonel, you will arrange the inauguration ceremony and ensure it is completed within three days," Viserys replied, his smile widening as he handed the task to the Hand of the King.
Lyonel felt overwhelmed by the increasing responsibilities. Touching on his chest, he cheered himself up and calmly said, "It is my duty to share your burdens, Your Grace."
"Now that I've joined the Small Council, can I be honest?" Rhaenys asked, looking around.
"I have always encouraged the advisers to speak candidly," Viserys replied, settling back into his seat comfortably.
"Then I will speak," Rhaenys said, raising her chin. "As for the number of dragons to go to war, I nominate myself as the vanguard."
"But according to Lord Corlys, you will stay on Driftmark?" Tyland, the Master of Ships, hesitantly glanced at the Sea Snake.
"My daughter Laena can manage Driftmark. She is not only a Velaryon but also married to a Targaryen," Rhaenys said frankly.
"I agree," Rhaegar said, smiling. "Laena has written to me about missing her homeland, and I think she will gladly accept."
"What do you think, Your Grace?" Rhaenys asked bluntly.
"I believe in Laena's abilities, but her children are still very young," Viserys hesitated slightly, glancing at Rhaenyra.
Rhaegar immediately picked up the conversation. "When the war comes, my sister can travel to Driftmark to take care of Laena and the newborn."
"If Rhaenyra is the adoptive mother of the two children. Is this arrangement still valid?" Rhaenys probed without hesitation.
Rhaenyra smiled lightly. "Of course. When I go to Driftmark, I will bring two dragon eggs to place in the children's cradles."
"You'll be a good mother," Rhaenys nodded, her eyes pleased.
The position of Master of Dragons was a double-edged sword. Accepting it would mean that Velaryon's descendants would lose their right to ride dragons.
It was a conflict of power. Laena and her children were meant to bridge the two houses, to be considered half members of both.
Rhaenyra's promise to bring dragon eggs as compensation was a strategic move. In one go, the Targaryens addressed the bloodline and dragon issues.
Velaryon kept her existing dragons, and Rhaenys became an advisor in the Small Council, earning the trust of the royal family on her daughter's behalf.
It was the best possible outcome.
With the issues between the two houses resolved, the Council returned to discussing the Triarchy.
"Lord Tyland, as Master of Ships, you will be in charge of war preparations," Viserys explained.
"Yes, Your Grace," Tyland replied solemnly.
"Now, I need a leading general to assist Lord Corlys in deploying the king's army," Viserys said, his gaze falling on Cole, who was serving beside him.
Sensing the king's scrutiny, Cole's breath hitched and he stood straighter.
"Ser Cole, you have never been to war. Do you have the confidence to take on this great responsibility?" Viserys asked, smiling.
As the honor of leading the army fell upon him, Cole's spirits lifted. "Absolutely, Your Grace!" he said with suppressed excitement.
"Very well. I appoint you commander of the king's army to aid Lord Corlys," Viserys said, pleased with Cole's boldness. The kingdom had been at peace for too long without a decent leader.
He had to choose the best of the available options, and he chose Cole, the loyal and brave captain of the Kingsguard.
Corlys glanced at the two men and shook his head, laughing. He didn't worry about a young man who had never led an army before.
Tyland thought for a moment and said worriedly, "Your Grace, the time it takes for the ravens to deliver news is too slow, and the situation in the Vale and the Reach is complicated. It could make things harder."
"What solution do you propose?" Viserys asked, feeling his head spin at the mention of the chaos.
Tyland pondered for a moment and suggested, "Lord Lyonel can handle the Riverlands. The ravens will be sufficient for sending letters to Storm's End. The main problem lies in the Vale and the Reach."
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