hotmtlnovel Chapter 58: The White Robe
Chapter 58: The White Robe
Chapter 58: The White Robe
As dusk fell, Rhaegar's footsteps came to a halt in the middle of a farmland, his gaze fixed on the rocky mountain range in the distance, devoid of vegetation.
"Your Grace, we should return to the castle," Cole, acting as his guard, advised.
Rhaegar's eyes lingered on the distant mountains as he muttered, "The island's active volcano is that way."
"Your Grace, the Princess will be displeased if we delay any longer," Cole sighed helplessly.
"I understand. We'll be back before nightfall," Rhaegar replied, his determination unwavering.
After traversing the small town on the island, Rhaegar gathered a wealth of information, including the approximate location of Vermithor and Silverwing's lair.
"Let's go, Ser Cole," Rhaegar called, taking one last look at a group of silver-haired children playing near the town's entrance before turning back.
Curious, Cole inquired, "Your Grace, do you long for company?"
"No, I was merely intrigued by the color of their hair," Rhaegar replied. The sight of the children's silver hair made him wonder if any of them might be his half-brothers.
After all, his father had been quite vigorous and robust in his youth.
...
In the evening, after the family had finished dinner and retired to their rooms, Rhaenyra and Rhaegar retired to their bedroom, as was their custom, and engaged in quiet conversation.
Rhaenyra broached the subject first. "Cole mentioned you were in town?"
"I was looking for a young dragon to tame," Rhaegar replied calmly.
"It would be advantageous for you to have one. A young dragon is better for a young Targaryen. Syrax and I have been companions since childhood," Rhaenyra remarked, understanding her sibling's desire for a dragon.
After a moment of thought, she continued, "Alicent came to see me and we had a long talk."
"What did she want?" Rhaegar inquired.
"I aske her the same question," Rhaenyra replied thoughtfully. "She mentioned my engagement and made some remarks that I dismissed."Vissit (.)c.om for updates
"And?" Rhaegar prompted.
"I was in a sour mood, but Alicent was unfazed. She even brought up the whereabouts of the two young dragons," Rhaenyra recounted.
"So you find it..." Rhaegar began.
"Suspicious!" they both exclaimed at the same time, sharing a knowing smile.
Early the next morning, Rhaegar rose from his bed and, with the help of the maid, donned a set of black dragon-themed robes.
Running his fingers over the dragonscale shoulder pads, Rhaegar sighed, "Must I really dress like this?"
Rhaenyra, lying lazily on the bed, replied breathlessly, "The material of the dragon costume is exceptionally durable and breathable, perfect for extended activities."
"I'll wear whatever you want as long as you agree to my participation in the dragon search," Rhaegar asserted. He had spent the previous night trying to persuade Rhaenyra to allow him to join the search party, and had finally received her approval.
Before he could leave, Rhaenyra called to him, "I do not feel well. Cole will accompany you, and another team of dragonkeepers will be dispatched to follow."
"Don't worry. No matter how petty Alicent may be, she wouldn't dare lay a hand on me," Rhaegar reassured her, patting his chest confidently as he set off with a sense of excitement.
...
After leaving the castle, Rhaegar made his way to the active volcano, his goal not being a young dragon, thus avoiding the need to go to the eastern coast.
"Your Grace, shouldn't we go to the east coast first?" Cole interjected, noting the change in their direction and furrowing his brow in concern.
Rhaegar responded with a rhetorical question, "The information about the East Coast came from Alicent. Do you think it's all true?"
Cole hesitated, at a loss for words. He had heard about the tense relationship between the Queen and the Prince during their journey and understood the animosity between the two parties.
"So, are you willing to accompany me?" Rhaegar pressed, his gaze shifting to the white robes draped over Cole's body.
Somewhat taken aback, Rhaegar remarked, "The white robes signify the honor of the Kingsguard, correct?"
"Yes, Your Grace," Cole affirmed, his hand caressing the fabric with a hint of pride in his eyes. "I came from humble beginnings, serving a certain lord as a teenager before earning battle honors in a conflict with the Dornish. It was through these trials that I earned the honor I hold today."
"You value your current position highly, don't you?" Rhaegar asked with a faint smile.
Cole nodded solemnly. "Indeed, Your Grace. These white robes bestow upon me unparalleled honor and dignity."
Rhaegar couldn't help but feel a strange sensation at Cole's white robes. The pristine hue evoked a sense of purity.
Remembering a dream he once had, Rhaegar wondered aloud, "If it were soiled, would it not lose its purity?"
Looking at the steadfast Cole, uncertainty flickered in Rhaegar's eyes.
"Cole, cherish it and keep it pure," Rhaegar instructed evenly.
"I will, Your Grace," Cole replied, though perplexed by the prince's emphasis on preserving the white robes. Still, he smiled and offered his assurance, his eyes bright with anticipation for the future.