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.
Rhaegar, however, felt a pang of helplessness. He did not want Aegon to go to war; the boy wasn't cut out for it. As his brother, Rhaegar would have to take care of him on the battlefield, ensuring he wasn't shot down by a scorpion crossbow.
"How many dragons does your house intend to send, Lord Corlys?" Viserys asked directly, his gaze intense. He had committed two of his sons, and the Velaryon house similarly had three dragons; he expected their participation to be no less than his own.
Corlys hesitated, ignoring his wife's insistent look, and responded, "Your Grace, Laena has just given birth, and Vhagar is still wandering the Narrow Sea, unable to take part in the battle."
Viserys tapped his fingers on the table, unmoved.
"I will lead Vaemond and Laenor in the Battle of the Stepstones, while Rhaenys stays on Driftmark to oversee family affairs and patrol the channels," Corlys explained, his tone steady.
He continued, "All the men of my family will be on the battlefield, but we can only deploy one dragon—Laenor's Sea Smoke."
Viserys's expression darkened at this. He had committed both of his sons to the fight, yet Corlys seemed content to keep his wife and daughter safely away from the front lines. His lips twitched in irritation, but he restrained himself.
He refused to allow Rhaenyra to go to war because she was a woman. Rhaenys and Laena, also women, had their own significant reasons—one to manage the family, the other having just given birth. It was indeed not appropriate to force them into battle.
"Lord Corlys, have you asked Aunt Rhaenys's opinion?" Rhaegar suddenly spoke, his gaze shifting between Corlys and Rhaenys.
Laena had been a bridge between their families, living in the Red Keep to raise her children. Rhaenys was no ordinary woman; her dragon, Meleys, was a full-grown force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Corlys's earlier statement had left Rhaenys looking disheartened, a sign that the decision was not mutual.
Facing Rhaegar's question, Corlys responded curtly, "If Rhaenys doesn't stay on Driftmark, who will take care of my family?" He conveniently ignored the fact that his siblings Vaemond and Laenor, his eldest son, were already going to war. Someone had to manage the home front.
Rhaegar, undeterred by Corlys's deflection, turned directly to Rhaenys. "What do you think, Aunt?"
He believed that his aunt had no desire to remain hidden in the background. Leading her dragon into battle was fitting for the greatness of the Queen Who Never Was.
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.
(Word count: 1,181)