14 Chapter 14

Jaehaerys approached alone, his curiosity evident as he inquired, "And you are?" Androw, with a respectful bow, replied, "Androw Farman, Your Grace." For a moment, Jaehaerys struggled to believe that the person before him was indeed the Androw he once knew. However, he swiftly composed himself.

To King Jaehaerys, Androw had been a man with gentle eyes and a somewhat immature demeanor. But the figure standing before him now was vastly different, both in appearance and manner. There was an air of intensity about him, a sense that dealing with him might not be so simple—perhaps even dangerous. While Jaehaerys was analyzing Androw, Androw was doing the same in return. From his perspective, the king he had anticipated didn't possess the personality he had envisioned. He observed the shrewdness in Jaehaerys's eyes, the mark of a ruler adept at keeping his subjects in check and astute at assessing value.

In that moment, Androw couldn't help but feel that he might have made a mistake by venturing into King's Landing out of mere curiosity.

Androw briefly contemplated leaving King's Landing without further engagement, but he realized that such a hasty departure might inadvertently convey a stance that he wasn't ready to reveal. So, he chose to stay and entertain the king's questions. Jaehaerys approached Androw with a cautious demeanor, addressing him, "Lord Androw, I have a few questions, and I would appreciate your cooperation."

Androw couldn't help but recognize the underlying concern about his dragon in the king's words. With a nod, he replied, "As you wish, Your Grace." He knew that he didn't have much choice, given that taming a dragon was typically considered impossible for those without Valyrian blood. His feat directly challenged the Targaryens' longstanding illusion of control over dragons.

Jaehaerys took a moment to glance at the formidable dragon, Baal, who stood at a distance from Androw and Aerea. Then, his gaze shifted to Rhaena, who appeared far from pleased with the situation. Jaehaerys cast a curious glance back at Androw, who, with a sly smile, remarked, "Love quarrel, Your Grace." This remark earned Androw a deathly glare from Rhaena.

Jaehaerys couldn't help but chuckle at the situation and assured Rhaena, "Sister, I hope to see you at dinner." She offered a nod in response. The king excused himself, citing urgent matters that required his attention.

As Jaehaerys and his men departed, Androw shifted his attention to Rhaena, and it wasn't long before he found her hand moving swiftly towards his cheek. Reacting instinctively, Androw intercepted her hand mid-air, preventing the slap from landing on him. Their eyes locked, fierce and intense, as both of them exchanged a silent battle of wills. Eventually, Androw released his grip on Rhaena's hand.

In a cold tone, Rhaena questioned him, "Have you been hiding your true self all this time? The Androw known for being half girl, incapable of learning and wielding a sword... is that all a lie? Why?"

Androw approached her, his voice laced with sarcasm, "Well, if I were truly smart, would I have been able to marry my long-destined wife?"

Clearly puzzled, Rhaena responded with a chilly tone, "What do you mean?"

With a chuckle, Androw replied, "Why should I have to spell it all out for you when you, of all people, should know best? A marriage to safeguard yourself from being tied to another imbecile like Aegon, isn't that why you married me—your supposed idiot?"

Androw's derogatory remark about her beloved, deceased brother-husband, Aegon, further incensed Rhaena. She lashed out at him once more, only to find herself supported by Androw as she stumbled.