Chapter 629: The Idol

The people of Nass were, of course, unaware that the Iron Throne had merely used the pretense of dispatching troops to Nass Island to extend the kingdom's reach across the Narrow Sea, and even further to the Summer Sea, Slaver's Bay, the Basilisk Isles, and the Sothoryos continent.

The Targaryen fleet had established an outpost on the other end, forging connections with the native kingdoms and tribes, thereby expanding their influence in preparation for future trade, mining, exchanges, and warfare.

Viserys then remembered something and turned to Milraz to inquire,

"By the way, Daenerys mentioned that your sister Missandei wishes to stay in King's Landing?"

Viserys recalled Daenerys coming to him not long ago, speaking of Missandei's wish to stay in King's Landing, even desiring to study at the citadel.

A child with a high aptitude for learning, her golden eyes brimmed with the thirst for knowledge, overcoming the fear of being in a foreign land.

Yet, for Missandei to stay in King's Landing, her cousin's consent was required. Fearing to address Milraz directly, she had sought her good friend Daenerys.

But the silver-haired girl couldn't command Milraz, thus she sought Viserys' help, hoping he could convince Milraz to let the girl remain in Westeros.

Ever since the conflict between the Nass children and Joffrey half a month ago, Daenerys and Missandei, destined to be best friends, miraculously came together once again.

With no companions in the Red Keep, Daenerys found solace in Missandei's company. Renes had grown into adulthood, albeit without the formal ceremony, and with the Duke of Highgarden's princess immersed in daily affairs, assisting Viserys, she had no time for childish play.

On the other hand, Sansa, of similar age, was too shy; although friends, they weren't inseparable.

Missandei's arrival was timely. Despite being a few years younger, the Nass girl and Daenerys got along splendidly.

"Your Grace,"

Hearing Viserys' sudden inquiry, the Nass envoy, donned in a grey robe revealing his chest, revealed a bitter smile.

Missandei had mentioned her desire to stay multiple times, to learn advanced knowledge and then return to benefit her homeland.

Yet, Milraz couldn't bear to leave his cousin alone in King's Landing, for regardless of the arrival of reinforcements, he must return home.

The people of Nass harbored a strong yearning for home.

Now that Viserys had brought it up, Milraz couldn't deny him, thus with a bitter smile, he acquiesced.

"Let her stay if she wishes."

"It's a blessing for her to serve as the Princess's handmaiden."

Hearing her cousin's consent, the eavesdropping Missandei outside the door cheered, her beautiful, pure golden eyes shimmering with joy beneath her slightly dark skin.

Missandei and Daenerys had been eavesdropping for a while, startling Milraz within the study. Eavesdropping on the king was a grave offense.

Yet, Viserys only chuckled, shaking his head helplessly. He had known all along about the girls eavesdropping outside, even aware that Daenerys had sent away his attendant Robb.

Although the expedition to Nass Island was set, it wasn't a venture to set sail shortly. Deciding the route and primary objectives alone had taken half a month.

The royal councilors debated daily on which route to take, whether to visit Myr or Tyrosh first, or Lys, then loop back to Tyrosh?

Every stop's duration, what Asha Greyjoy should heed, all had to be clear beforehand, nothing could be improvised.

Additionally, Viserys' personal letters were crucial.

The King's personal letters were tied to the kingdom's diplomacy; what to write, the choice of words, the attitude to express, what to say, and what not to say, all needed prior preparation.

This task was mainly handed to Tyrion. The imp had racked his brains over these letters.

The groundwork for this venture had been laid, yet when the actual action commenced, more tasks awaited.

As the commander of the expedition fleet, Asha Greyjoy had to personally select soldiers, prepare supplies for the long journey.

And establish contact with these city-states in advance to avoid misunderstandings; mistaking them for hostile forces would cause a massive blunder.

These preparations might take over a month. Bad news for Milraz, eager to return home, but good news for Missandei who had yet to bid farewell.

Her other two brothers, Missanlo and Missande, were also leaving. She had at least a month of regret to look forward to.

Nightfall.

The Red Keep was silent at night, save for the Unsullied soldiers patrolling with lanterns.

Half a year ago, a masked assailant had sneaked into the Red Keep, seemingly to steal, killing two Unsullied soldiers but was soon surrounded by more.

The assailant escaped the Red Keep, with Unsullied in pursuit. Eventually, his body was found not far from the Keep, still warm with wounds, dressed identically to the assailant.

Such incidents were rare but not impossible. After all, the Red Keep was the royal palace of Westeros; desperate individuals might take the risk.

Thus, post-incident, the Unsullied commander, Grey Worm, intensified patrols, from pairs to groups of five, designating areas near the Red Keep as restricted zones.

At this moment, in the Godswood behind the Red Keep, Viserys sat alone amidst fallen leaves, not resting in the King's chamber in Maegor's Holdfast.

A flame burnt in his palm, the same golden wisp of fire that ignited months ago.

However, over the months, it had grown slightly from a spark, albeit very slowly.

Viserys stared intently at the flame, feeling a sudden tightness in his heart, yet his hands didn't cease their motion. He watched as the flame merged with the nameless idol he had seized from Gillian.

The next moment, the Godswood was ablaze with golden light.