Game of Thrones: Dance of the Dragons

"Baylor, do you really want to give me power?" Rhaenys was surprised for a moment.

As a Targaryen princess, how could she not want to use power to help her family achieve even greater prosperity!

However, being a woman imposed far too many restrictions on Rhaenys, and the accumulation of decades of life had completely transformed her from an ambitious person into the frail old woman she is today.

"I have read about your deeds in Jiujiu Town. You are the eldest granddaughter of my great-grandfather. I deeply admire your wisdom and vision."

"Moreover, for the Targaryens to prosper, they need to be united. As you probably know, Aunt, there are too many outsiders at the Council of Kings."

"After we return, I will suggest to my father that we request a place for you in the Imperial Council."

In Prince Beller's mind, the best situation was one where foreign officials and the royal family checked and balanced each other, rather than controlling one faction to fight against another.

Rhaenys, as a Targaryen princess and the matriarch of House Valerian, was perfectly suited to represent the royal family at the Royal Council.

Hearing Baylor's analysis, Rhine nodded in deep agreement, and at the same time, she couldn't help but look at this six-year-old cousin with new respect.

"That means there will be two members of the royal family in the Imperial Council. Do you think the nobles will agree to that?"

The other royal family member Rhaenys was referring to was, of course, her good uncle Damon.

"My good uncle is indeed capable, but I'm afraid he'll never be able to get rid of his impulsive habit in this lifetime."

Baylor sometimes had no idea what Damon was thinking. In his father Viserys' words, he was a child who would never grow up and was always rebellious.

I wonder who Uncle Hao got his personality from?

The aunt and niece chatted for a while, and after the dragon finished eating, they rode the dragon together and flew to King's Landing, which they had not seen for a long time.

When the two returned, Viserys had already discussed with the ministers the position of the Sea Serpent in the royal court—the Admiral of the Navy.

He was in charge of the royal navy, coastal defense, and maritime trade.

As night fell, a grand banquet was once again held in the Red Keep to welcome Princess Rhaenys back to the royal family.

King Viserys has decreed that, in celebration of the return of the sea serpent and Princess Rhaenys, King's Landing will provide free food to the common people for three days.

This is to tell all nobles and lords that the Targaryen royal family and the Valerian family are still in perfect harmony and everything is as usual!

After a busy day, Baylor had a simple meal and drinks, said goodbye to his father, and went back to his room to rest first.

……

Pushing open the door, everything in the room was arranged as usual, except for a few eye-catching dragon-shaped toys on the carpet, there was nothing else.

"That girl Helena, it's one thing to come to my room and play with toys, but why doesn't she tidy up?" Baylor sighed helplessly.

He got up, gathered the toys together, and placed them in the spot where Helena usually played.

After everything was settled, he lay exhausted on the bed and began to think about how to talk to his father the next day.

"Knock knock knock!"

"Who is it?"

"Prince, it is I, Lars."

"Enter."

Lars limped in and bowed respectfully to the prince.

"What happened in King's Landing while I was away?" Baylor sat up and asked.

"His Majesty Viserys is very pleased and delighted that you were able to persuade Valerian to return to the King's side. Lord Linman and I originally wanted to take this opportunity to have you appoint the Crown Prince ahead of schedule, but we were stopped by Minister of Justice Jaspi."

Baylor remembered this man. "I recall him being with that old man Otto."

Larry said grimly, "Yes, if you agree, I will find a way to have him die secretly in an accident."

"Furthermore, the waters near the Stone Steps Islands have been quite turbulent lately, with passing merchant ships frequently harassed and plundered by pirates."

"According to my investigation, the naval forces of Dorne and the Three Daughters Kingdom are involved. You must prepare in advance."

Baylor was not surprised at all. He knew that these two scoundrels, who hadn't made a move for over two months, were definitely up to no good.

"This is really exciting news. I was worried they wouldn't start a war."

"Be prepared for tomorrow's imperial council meeting, and be ready to agree with and support me at any time."

Baylor personally went to Tidehead Island to win over the Sea Serpent and Rhaenys in order to deal with the Kingdom of the Third Daughter and Dorne.

Laris is a smart man, and moreover, he is the kingdom's chief intelligence officer.

He understood the other party's thoughts with almost no explanation from Baylor.

"Yes, Your Highness." Lars bowed respectfully and limped out of the room.

Without being disturbed by anyone else, Baylor quickly fell asleep.

……

The next morning, Renilla knocked on his door and brought her dear brother some suitable clothes.

"Can't you wear the black one? I don't really like elegant white." Baylor rubbed his eyes, still half asleep, and ate the milk and bread that were served to him listlessly.

"No, Father said today's meeting is very important. As the Crown Prince, you can't embarrass the Targaryen family." Rhaenyra thoughtfully straightened his clothes.

Beller did not resist and let Renilla do as she pleased.

"Yes, that's more like my Renilla's brother."

She looked at her work with satisfaction.

Then, holding the prince's hand, the siblings walked together toward the Imperial Council.

Council Chamber.

"Your Majesty, Raven has brought the latest intelligence on the Stone Steps Islands."

"The pirate ships employed by Dorne and the Kingdom of the Third Daughter have blockaded trade routes, and the Kingdom's ships have suffered heavy losses," Laris respectfully reported to the King.

Upon hearing this news, Renilla couldn't help but frown.

Like her father Viserys, she disliked war because the agonizing wait was exhausting for them, both physically and mentally.

Moreover, once war breaks out, food supplies and funds will be a huge drain on resources.

"Prince, Princess."

Two royal guards at the entrance respectfully greeted the king's eldest son and daughter and kindly opened the gate for them.

At this time, there was still a little while before the official start of the royal council, so Laris came early to give the king a heads-up and to make it easier for the prince to make his later proposals.

"Father," the siblings greeted Viserys.

"My dear children, today's royal council will last until very late, so I'm afraid you two will have to work hard," Viserys said with a smile.

"It's alright. As long as we can help Father and the ministers, it's nothing for the two of us to stand here a little longer."

Beller's thoughtful reply warmed Viserys' heart.

It's worth noting that his eldest son is only six years old and already so sensible. When he grows up a bit more, he'll probably be just as mature as his grandfather.

"You all rest first; the other ministers will arrive in a while."

Beller and Renilla nodded and sat down in the empty seats nearby.

Taking this opportunity, Beller quietly shared his thoughts with his sister.

Renilla stared at her brother in disbelief. "Are you crazy?! You want to start a war?!"