hotmtlnovel Chapter 153: Pre-war Deployment
Chapter 153: Pre-war Deployment
Chapter 153: Pre-war Deployment
Rhaegar spoke softly but resolutely, seeing the situation clearly.
He was the heir of the realm and the master of the adult dragon, Cannibal. If he did not go to war, how could he expect his sister Rhaenyra or brother Aegon to do so? A cowardly act would make him the laughingstock of the Seven Kingdoms.
The only way to gain honor and secure his future claim to the throne was to lead by example, making a name for himself on the battlefield and earning the respect of the soldiers of the Seven Kingdoms.
"You've grown up and formed your own ideas," Viserys admitted, unable to refute his eldest son's logic. Overwhelmed with emotion, he reflected on how, if Balerion hadn't died of old age, he might have become a king with a formidable war record through battle.
Turning to Corlys, Viserys made a firm decision, "The royal family will send two dragons to support the defense of the Stepstones."
"Two dragons?" Corlys hesitated for a moment, glancing unconsciously at Rhaenyra behind the King's back. Did the King intend to send the Princess to the battlefield as well?
"No! Rhaenyra is my daughter, and I will not put her at risk," Viserys asserted firmly. "I have four sons, two of whom have tamed dragons, and they will fight on behalf of the royal family."
"Prince Aegon?" Corlys frowned and exchanged a look with his wife, Rhaenys. As far as they remembered, Aegon was an unremarkable young man, and his dragon was not yet fully grown. Such a noble youth might contribute less to the battle than experienced officers.
Viserys was adamant. "Rhaegar is going to war, and as his brother, Aegon must help."
In truth, he did not want Rhaegar to face the battle alone. At least with Aegon, Rhaegar would have some familial support, someone to watch his back. In Viserys's mind, the importance of his three younger sons combined paled in comparison to Rhaegar's.
Corlys, understanding the king's logic, agreed, "Very well. One more dragon will reduce the casualties of many soldiers."
Historically, the concept of a second son serving as a safeguard in battle was not uncommon. Since Rhaegar was going to war, it made sense for Aegon to follow, ensuring that any potential power plays at home were kept in check.
Rhaenyra remained silent, listening to the men's discussion. She, too, wanted to follow Rhaegar into battle. She had a dragon and was not merely an ordinary woman with no capabilities.
All eyes turned to Rhaenys. Corlys averted his gaze, pretending indifference to his wife's answer.
"Corlys's proposal is for the greater good, and as his wife, I support him," Rhaenys began, her voice steady. Then she shifted her tone, revealing her true feelings. "Personally, I look forward to riding my dragon into battle and defeating the pirates of the Triarchy."
Turning to Viserys, she added seriously, "Cousin, Driftmark needs a Velaryon presence, and my daughter can fulfill this duty without difficulty."
"Rhaenys!" Corlys exclaimed, surprised by her declaration. They had long planned to exchange Laena and the child for a return to Driftmark, using Rhaenys’s involvement in the war as a cover. If possible, they had even considered ransoming Daemon to fill the gap.
Viserys, slightly stunned, frowned in confusion. Were the two not on the same page?
Rhaenyra, sensing the underlying tension, glanced at Rhaegar in surprise. Rhaegar, with a knowing smile, reassured her. "Lord Corlys, Aunt Rhaenys has always been eager to serve her kingdom."
He had promised Rhaenys a role at the council, and now it was time to fulfill that promise.
"Father, when I was on Driftmark, I discussed with Aunt Rhaenys adopting reforms regarding the ownership of dragons by the Targaryen and Velaryon families," Rhaegar said earnestly.
The issue of dragon ownership was too significant to be overlooked. Mishandling it could lead to civil unrest and bloodshed between the families.
Viserys narrowed his eyes, his tone firm. "Oh, the dragons have always belonged to the Targaryens. What is your point?"
The Velaryon dragons originated from Targaryen lineage. When Jaehaerys was in power, Rhaenys brought the first dragon to Driftmark upon marrying Corlys. Later, during the succession contest between Rhaenys and Viserys, Jaehaerys did not oppose Laenor going to Dragonstone to tame Sea Smoke.
Laena had tamed Vhagar at fifteen. At that time, Viserys, seeing her as Rhaenys’s bloodline and feeling guilty for refusing her marriage, had tacitly accepted Laena's taming of Vhagar. However, this did not mean he recognized the dragons as Velaryon property.