bookpower Chapter 4: Request for Aid from the Stepstones Islands
Chapter 4: Request for Aid from the Stepstones Islands
Chapter 4: Request for Aid from the Stepstones Islands
The next day dawned with the first rays of sunlight on the Red Keep, signaling the start of another busy day for the servants.
After their customary breakfast of milk and bread, Rhaegar and Rhaenyra made their way directly to the council chamber.
The servants and knights along the way dared not impede them, allowing them to pass unhindered.
Upon entering the great council hall, they were greeted by a lively scene.
King Viserys, in his thirties, wore a broad smile as he chatted amiably with several ministers.
Known for his tolerance and mercy, Viserys greeted everyone with a smile.
"Rhaenyra, we were just discussing the Kingswood hunt. You're just in time," Viserys remarked as Rhaenyra entered the hall, immediately catching his attention and inviting her to join the discussion. for new novels
"Father, do you remember me?" Rhaegar interjected, holding his sister's hand and looking at his father with melancholy eyes.
"Oh, Rhaegar, why is your sister dragging you around?" Viserys exclaimed, his eyes widening as he saw the thin figure at the door. He immediately rose from his seat.
"Your Grace."
The king left his seat, prompting the other ministers to rise and greet Rhaegar. After all, he was the king's eldest son, born into the privilege of being respected. Had the frail prince not lapsed into a coma at birth, Rhaenyra would not have been the heir.
Surveying the ministers, Rhaegar gestured for them to relax and offered a gentle smile.
The display momentarily distracted the ministers. Indeed, Prince Rhaegar seemed cast in the same mold as King Viserys, exuding calm and kindness.
As Rhaenyra and her brother made their way, she explained, "Yesterday was Rhaegar's birthday. Neither of us were there. He wanted to come and see father."
Moved by her words, Viserys hurried over and knelt before his children. "I'm sorry, son. As king, I always have a mountain of work. I hope you don't blame me," he said ruefully.
Rhaegar and Viserys met eye to eye, their smiles intact as they exchanged a look. Rhaegar, feigning annoyance, interjected quietly,
"It's all right. How could I blame my king? I just wanted to see my father as a son."
Since you use your royal status to evade responsibility, I'll do the same and appeal to your conscience.
As expected, Viserys' expression softened with a hint of guilt. He lowered his gaze and reached out to touch Rhaegar's pale face. "As you grow, you resemble your mother more and more," he remarked with a mix of emotions.
Glancing at Rhaenyra, he silently sought her support.
"I think Lord Lyonel's plan is excellent and I have no objections," Rhaenyra interjected, pretending not to notice her father's plea.
As heir to the Iron Throne, though she had no decision-making power, seconding and praising were essential formalities.
Unable to secure his daughter's help, Viserys felt somewhat embarrassed. "I had hoped to take you both hunting in the Kingswood, but..." he trailed off.
"Aegon's going, so why can't I?" Rhaegar feigned confusion.
"Because of your health. I don't want anything to happen to you," Viserys replied seriously.
"No, I want to go. My health is improving, and there will be no danger," Rhaegar assured confidently. "Even if there is danger, I want to see the world outside and not be confined like a caged bird."
Viserys looked grave, unwilling to give in.
At that moment, Rhaenyra interjected, "Our family will be hunting in the Kingswood. Rhaegar cannot be left alone in the Red Keep."
Viserys looked displeased at Rhaenyra's interference, but she met his disapproval head-on.
As father and daughter fought in silence, Rhaegar tugged at Viserys' sleeve and pleaded, "Please, Father, I really want to go."
"Gods, you always get me into trouble," Viserys muttered in exasperation, but finally gave in to his children's wishes.
"I can take you on the hunt, but you have to promise to behave yourself and not run off with Rhaenyra," he warned.
"No problem, I promise," Rhaegar agreed without hesitation.
Just then, a hurried figure burst into the hall with urgent news.
"Your Grace, there's a request for help from the Stepstone Islands. You may have to consider it!"
Viserys, always hesitant, greeted everyone with a smile despite the exhaustion that weighed heavily on him. He tried tirelessly to please everyone, but his efforts failed to quell their thirst for power.
Unable to please everyone.
As Daemon once remarked, his only real weakness was his indecision.