"A very meticulous rule, well-suited for the emergence of a new system."
After listening to his eldest son's explanation, Viserys' eyes lit up, and he approved of the proposal.
Dragons had always been the foundation of House Targaryen's power.
At no point in history had the royal family ever loosened its control over dragons.
Rhaegar's idea of establishing the title of Dragon Prince and the new naming convention for newborns were both strategic policies that would benefit the present and secure the future.
With this in mind, Viserys turned to Rhaenys and asked with a smile, "Cousin, what do you think of this proposal?"
At his words, Corlys shifted his gaze toward his wife, his expression solemn.
He did not want her to agree to the proposal.
It would mean that after Laenor's generation, House Velaryon would lose the right to claim dragon riders.
Rhaenys took her husband's hand, her eyes unwavering, and declared in a firm voice, "I support this proposal!"
She was a Targaryen, and her family's honor defined her life.
Anything that benefited her house, she had no reason not to support.
Even if it shattered her husband's unrealistic ambitions.
"Rhaenys…"
Corlys' expression was conflicted, his hands trembling slightly.
"Corlys, I have turned a blind eye and a deaf ear for years—I don't want to continue living in that dull silence."
Rhaenys tightened her grip on her husband's hand.
As she spoke, even the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes seemed to relax.
"I respect your choice, but we have our own house and children to think about."
Corlys took a deep breath, urging his wife to consider their current situation carefully.
His words were not only meant for her but for everyone present.
If House Velaryon was expected to abide by the rules and make concessions, then they deserved proper compensation.
Rhaegar and Viserys exchanged a glance—there was no need for words.
Viserys patted his daughter's hand, which was gently massaging his shoulder, and then stood up, supporting himself on the table. With a bright smile, he said,
"Cousin, the position of Dragon Prince should be held by a mature and steady Targaryen. You are the best choice."
"This position will take away some of the king's power—are you willing to let that happen?"
Rhaenys gave him a sideways glance, her tone cold.
She knew her cousin's indecisive nature all too well.
"The importance of the Dragon Prince has been made clear by Rhaegar—the throne has lacked this role for too long."
Unbothered by her attitude, Viserys smiled and said, "You and I were born of fire—we should trust each other."
"You always have a silver tongue."
Rhaenys' expression softened as she looked toward her husband.
Corlys pressed his lips together before giving a slight nod.
He was the one most affected by the establishment of the Dragon Prince, but he had to admit its necessity.
He wanted to object, but the decision was not his to make.
The threat of the Three Daughters' pirate fleet loomed, and Tidehead Island would be the first to face the danger.
If he flipped the table and stormed out now, he would be handing over his house's foundation and their dragons to someone else, permanently excluding his family from the center of power.
Patience was a necessary virtue for any politician.
Seeing this, Rhaenys smiled and said, "Your Grace, I am willing to assume the position of Dragon Prince."
"Excellent. Lord Lyonel, you will arrange the official investiture. It must be completed within three days."
Viserys' smile grew more genuine as he entrusted the task to the Hand of the King.
Lyonel felt an instant headache—his workload was already overwhelming.
He absentmindedly touched the Hand of the King's badge pinned to his chest and silently encouraged himself before responding smoothly, "It is my duty to serve you, Your Grace."
"Since I am now a member of the Small Council, may I speak freely?"
Rhaenys glanced around the room before raising the question.
"I always encourage my councilors to speak their minds."
Viserys leaned back comfortably in his chair.
"Then I will be direct."
Rhaenys lifted her chin and said, "Regarding the discussion on the number of dragons to be deployed, I volunteer to lead the vanguard."
"But according to Lord Corlys, you were meant to stay behind and defend Tidehead Island?"
As Master of Ships, Tyland studied the Sea Snake's expression with hesitation.
Rhaenys replied calmly, "My daughter, Laena, is more than capable of holding Tidehead Island. She is not only a Velaryon—she is married to a Targaryen."
"I support this."
Rhaegar was the first to agree, smiling. "Laena wrote to me expressing how much she misses her homeland—I believe she will gladly accept this responsibility."
---
**"Your Majesty, what do you think?"**
Rhaenys asked directly.
"I trust Laenor's abilities, but his children are still very young."
Viserys hesitated slightly, glancing at Rhaenyra without drawing attention.
If he remembered correctly, the two children were to be raised under the royal family's care.
Rhaegar immediately followed up, "When war comes, my sister can go to Driftmark to take care of Laenor and the newborn."
"Rhaenyra is the foster mother of the two children—does that still hold?"
Rhaenys inquired without hesitation.
Rhaenyra understood the implication and smiled faintly. "Of course. When I go to Driftmark, I will bring two dragon eggs to place in their cradles."
"You will be a worthy mother."
Rhaenys nodded, her eyes filled with approval.
The title of Dragon Prince was a double-edged sword—if she accepted the position, House Velaryon's descendants would lose their right to claim dragons.
This was the weight of royal authority.
Laenor and the two children were originally meant to serve as a bridge between the two houses, effectively becoming hostages.
By agreeing to join the war effort, Rhaenys was able to bring her daughter and grandchildren back to Driftmark while securing the dragon eggs Rhaenyra had promised.
This was the monarchy's compensation.
In this exchange, House Targaryen ensured that both their bloodline and dragons remained under their control.
House Velaryon retained its existing dragons, while Rhaenys, as a member of the Small Council, gained the royal family's trust in place of her daughter.
This was the best possible outcome.
With the issue between the two great houses settled, the Small Council returned to discussing the Three Daughters War.
Viserys instructed, "Lord Tyland, as Master of Ships, you will oversee the war preparations."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Tyland's expression was solemn.
"I need a capable commander to lead the army and assist Lord Corlys in organizing the royal forces."
Viserys murmured, his gaze falling on Ser Criston, who stood among the guards.
Sensing the king's scrutiny, Criston held his breath and straightened his posture.
Viserys smiled and asked, "Ser Criston, you have fought in wars before. Do you have the confidence to take on this responsibility?"
The honor of leading an army was within his grasp. Criston's spirits lifted as he suppressed his excitement and responded firmly, "Without a doubt, Your Majesty!"
"Very well. I appoint you as commander of the royal forces to assist Lord Corlys."
Viserys smiled slightly, satisfied with Criston's decisiveness.
The kingdom had been at peace for too long, and capable military leaders were scarce.
He had to pick the tallest among the short ones—Criston, the brave and loyal Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
Corlys glanced at the two men and shook his head with a faint smile.
A young man with no experience in leading an army—he did not take him seriously.
Tyland pondered for a moment and then voiced his concern. "Your Majesty, sending ravens for communication is too slow. The situation in the Vale and the Reach is complicated, and I fear it won't be effective."
"What solution do you propose?"
The mere mention of the kingdom's unrest gave Viserys a headache.
After a brief pause, Tyland suggested, "Lord Lyonel can handle affairs in the Riverlands, and sending ravens to Storm's End should be sufficient. The main issue lies with the Vale and the Reach."
The North was not ready to get involved yet—it was too far away to be relied upon.
---
*(End of Chapter)*