"Not yet. I hear Queen Alice has sent more men," Cole replied honestly.
"Is Lord Robert involved in the search as well?" Rhaegar asked casually.
"Yes, Lord Robert personally led a team and even searched the beach last night looking for you, Prince," Cole confirmed.
With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Rhaegar stood up. "I've finished eating, so I'll take a stroll around the castle."
Regardless of Cole's thoughts on the matter, Rhaegar quickly made his way outside.
Cole hesitated for a moment, considering that his duty was only to keep an eye on the prince, and wandering around the castle grounds wasn't technically disobedience.
He followed Rhaegar, keeping a watchful eye.
"What do you think my sister and father will be discussing?" Rhaegar inquired as they walked.
"The king and princess are probably discussing important matters, as usual," Cole replied modestly.
"I wonder if my sister trusts you that much?" Rhaegar prodded.
Cole hesitated under further questioning and slowly replied, " Their recent conversations have revolved primarily around the princess's possible marriage. I am privy to little else."
"Are you familiar with Laenor?" Rhaegar pressed on.
"The eldest son of Lord Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake?" Cole confirmed.
"It seems you know him," Rhaegar remarked.
"When Lord Corlys served as Master of the Ships, the princess occasionally interacted with his children, and I had the opportunity to meet them," Cole explained.
Rhaegar turned to Cole with a serious expression on his face. "What is your honest opinion of Laenor?"
Cole kept his composure and gave an objective assessment. "Ser Laenor is handsome, amiable, and a skilled knight."
"Does he have any faults?" Rhaegar persisted.
Given Rhaenyra's penchant for handsome, gentle men, there seemed little doubt that if Laenor truly embodied Cole's glowing portrayal, it would be a match made in heaven.
Cole maintained a stoic silence, refraining from comment, and Rhaegar understood the unspoken sentiment.
Though Cole sensed something was wrong with Laenor, his sense of chivalry compelled him to refrain from disparaging others in their absence.
Rhaegar asked cautiously, "Perhaps he struggles with drinking and gambling?"
"Ser Laenor enjoys drinking but abstains from gambling," Cole affirmed with assurance.
Rhaegar then inquired, "Was he involved with prostitutes and had a tumultuous personal life?"
Cole hesitated before answering, "Ser Laenor never frequented brothels."
"And his private life?" Rhaegar pressed.
"At times I have heard whispers that Ser Laenor kept his distance from women, but there was no scandal to speak of in that regard," Cole replied cautiously.
Rhaegar frowned, "You don't refute his chaotic personal life, yet you claim he keeps his distance from women. That's contradictory."
Cole remained impassive and avoided eye contact.
Rhaegar, unable to get a clear answer, continued to ponder the implications.
Then a realization struck him.
"He prefers men?" Rhaegar's surprise was obvious as he looked at Cole.
Cole looked away, neither confirming nor denying.
Rhaegar was able to decipher Cole's reaction.
"Father plans to marry Rhaenyra to a man whose sexual orientation deviates from the norm. Isn't he concerned about the potential discord after the wedding?" Rhaegar pondered silently.
The Targaryens were no strangers to intrigue.
Each member possessed a carnivorous nature that did not shy away from manipulation or deceit.
"Absurd. Father's decision-making is perplexing," Rhaegar muttered to himself, his resolve growing as he considered his next move.
"Take me to Lord Robert's chambers. He should have a map of Dragonstone Island," Rhaegar instructed Cole.
Cole asked, "Forgive me if I'm out of line, but why do you need a map of Dragonstone Island?"
"To find the dragon! Get the map before we continue," Rhaegar insisted firmly.
"The search for the young dragons already has its own team. You don't need to get involved," Cole pointed out.
"Her Majesty the Queen has sent someone to look for them, but if they find the dragons, they will obviously be tamed by Aegon first, I can't afford to wait idly," Rhaegar argued.
Cole conceded the point and suggested, "If you want a map of Dragonstone Island, you don't have to go to Lord Robert's chambers. There's a pair hidden in the princess's room."
"Why didn't you mention this before?" Rhaegar's frustration was obvious.
"You didn't ask until now," Cole replied honestly.
Rhaegar slapped his forehead in exasperation before turning to head back.
Once in the princess's chambers, he found a massive map of Dragonstone Island tucked under the bed.
Sitting on the map, Rhaegar meticulously scanned its surface, searching for the location of the volcano. Vermithor and Silverwing resided in a lair beneath the volcano, so the search had to begin in its vicinity.
"It lies east of Dragonstone Island, in the Dragonmont," Rhaegar declared, his resolve firm.
In addition to dragons, Dragonstone Island was known for its unique geological formations.
The Dragonmount stretched from east to west and contained the active volcano.
With the general direction in mind, Rhaegar felt confident and determined to search for the dragon.
He had already prepared his excuses.
"I will find the young dragons!" he announced.
Cole seemed ready to object, but Rhaegar raised his eyes and expressed his dissatisfaction. "The taming of dragons is a sacred duty given to every Targaryen. I am bound to join the search and do my part," Rhaegar declared solemnly.
"I cannot justify your absence to the Princess if I allow this excursion," Cole countered, shaking his head.
"Then you will accompany me and ensure our return before dinner," Rhaegar insisted, striding toward the door without giving Cole a chance to protest.
With a resigned sigh, Cole followed, feeling helpless.
The prince's status was extremely delicate; both the king and the princess held him in high esteem. All Cole could do was try to ensure Rhaegar's safety to the best of his ability.
The castle stood in the northern reaches of the island of Dragonstone.
Leaving the Red Keep, Rhaegar bypassed the stone-stepped promenade, choosing instead to head for the farmyard at the rear of the castle.
Dragonstone Island was home to a sizable population of civilians, many of them Targaryen bastards.
Having lived on Dragonstone for generations, they enjoyed relatively comfortable living conditions.
...
The conversation ended and Rhaenyra left her father's chambers, a faint hint of sadness lingering on her brow.
Viserys had spent half the night searching the Dragonglass Wall for the prophecy, returning at dawn, driven by an urgency that allowed no rest, and eager to share his findings with Rhaenyra.
He recounted the prophecy of the Song of Ice and Fire, detailing the ominous tale of the dagger and filling her with anxiety about the possible future regarding the Long Night and the Others.
She asked herself, if that dreaded day were to come, would she have the courage and ability to lead the Seven Kingdoms through the Long Night?
The answer she received was uncertain, leaning toward a resounding "no."
"It's fortunate the Long Night hasn't plagued us for millennia, and the prophesied prince named certainly won't be the type to cower in fear," Rhaenyra reassured herself, her thoughts turning to Alicent's son, Aegon, which rekindled her resolve and confidence.
On her way back, Rhaenyra heard Alicent's voice calling to her.
"Rhaenyra, may we speak?" Alicent's tone carried a hint of sincerity.
Rhaenyra turned her head, brushing off the invitation. "What could we possibly have to talk about? It's not time for afternoon tea yet."
"Please, I'm truly sorry for my earlier suspicions, and I would like to have a sincere conversation," Alicent implored, her expression sincere and hopeful. "Just like old times, when we could talk about anything."
Despite the friendly appearance, Rhaenyra could not shake the underlying feeling of contempt. Both sides were on the brink of confrontation, yet they still maintained the facade of sisterly affection.
"Very well, let's talk," Rhaenyra agreed reluctantly, curious about Alicent's intentions.
Alicent took Rhaenyra's hand and led her to the castle gardens, a smile playing on her lips.
As they strolled, Alicent broached the subject. "Why haven't I seen Rhaegar?"
"He's resting. He snuck out yesterday and I forbid him to leave," Rhaenyra replied truthfully.
"I heard about that. He stumbled upon an old prophecy, didn't he?"
"Yes, the Song of Ice and Fire."
"Oh, I thought that was just another bedtime story to frighten children," Alicent remarked casually.
"Indeed, a myth," Rhaenyra replied tersely, choosing not to elaborate.
The Song of Ice and Fire was a prophecy reserved for the heirs, not meant for Alicent to understand.
(word count: 1412)