Chapter 156: A Letter

Soon after.

Two figures appeared inside the castle gate, only to find the guards here holding torches, seemingly searching for something.

Upon seeing Viserys approach, the guards' faces immediately showed expressions of shame.

"Apologies, Your Majesty..."

Without saying much, Viserys already understood what had happened.

It seemed that the child they had just caught had slipped away once again.

"No matter, it's just a child."

"Is the letter still here?"

Viserys shook his head slightly, believing that the child was, at most, a mere errand runner, and capturing him wouldn't hold much significance.

"Yes."

The guard then handed over the letter that was meant to be personally opened by Viserys.

Without any hesitation, Viserys reached out and took it, knowing that if there had been any poison on it, it would have been rubbed off by now after passing through so many hands.

He decisively tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter.

There was a lot of content in the letter, with densely packed words covering the page.

However, after just a few glances, the calm expression on Viserys' face vanished, and he became slightly serious.

"What?"

The silver-haired youth's brow furrowed.

Under the torches held high by the surrounding guards, Viserys' eyes scanned every sentence on the letter, eventually reading it in its entirety.

"If the contents of this letter are true..."

Viserys held the letter in silence, not speaking a word. The guards around him did not know what had happened and stared at Viserys lost in thought before softly reminding him.

"Your Majesty?"

Viserys finally came back to his senses and looked up at one of the guards.

"Do you remember the appearance of that child just now?"

The guard nodded hastily.

"Continue searching until you find him."

Viserys waved his hand.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Upon hearing Viserys' command, the expressions of the castle guards became slightly tense.

They didn't know why the king had just said to let the child go, but after reading the letter, he immediately wanted to catch him.

Nevertheless, they hurried off to continue their search for the child who had slipped away.

Viserys didn't explain his actions, nor did he need to explain himself to these soldiers.

The cool night breeze blew Viserys' silver-gold hair, and after a moment of contemplation, he turned to another guard and instructed.

"Proceed discreetly, and verify each item in the letter."

Viserys ordered the guard to investigate a few things, and all had to be done in secrecy.

Although the guard was somewhat puzzled, he nodded decisively, understanding the instructions, and hurried off to prepare.

...

Meanwhile, in the great hall of the castle.

Although the harvest feast was nearing its end, the lively atmosphere remained.

When Viserys was present, they couldn't let loose as much, but as soon as Viserys had left for an unknown reason, the atmosphere in the hall became much livelier.

...

Perhaps the many watchful eyes of His Majesty the King have made it difficult for people to let loose, but the atmosphere has improved significantly now.

The Red Priestess Melisandre had somehow moved her chair next to Rhaenys, and the two seemed to be in conversation.

Daenerys, meanwhile, was completely focused on eating and drinking to her heart's content, even sneaking a sip of red wine from the cup of Oberyn's paramour.

The maester sat quietly by himself, appearing somewhat out of place amid the surrounding revelry.

His meal was simple, and he did not partake in any wine.

The maester seemed to be off his game today, feeling strangely restless. He had glanced several times at the seat where Viserys should be, but it remained empty.

Viserys had been away for quite some time now, but there was still no sign of his return, and it was unclear what special circumstances had arisen.

At that moment, several guards entered the bustling hall, bowed slightly to Rhaenys and Melisandre, and seemed to relay some information.

Melisandre offered an apologetic smile, and then politely excused herself from the table.

Only then did the guard whisper something into Rhaenys' ear.

"Hm?"

The brunette girl's face revealed a puzzled expression, and she turned to the guard for confirmation.

Despite receiving a very affirmative answer from the guard, the girl hesitated before nodding her head.

Rhaenys then rose from her seat, walked over to Daenerys, who was still eating messily, and pulled her up.

Ignoring the young girl's protests, she discarded the half-eaten chicken leg in her hand and forcefully wiped the grease from her mouth with a clean handkerchief.

Rhaenys then scolded Daenerys in a low voice, probably for her lack of restraint in eating, given her noble status and lineage.

She must maintain the dignity of a princess.

With that, Rhaenys led Daenerys away from their seats, heading toward the main entrance.

The guard who had just arrived informed Rhaenys that the King had requested her and Daenerys to step out for a moment, but did not provide any further details.

Rhaenys was puzzled, but since Viserys had requested it, she decided to take Daenerys with her.

The nobles, who were enjoying the festivities, noticed Rhaenys leading Daenerys through the crowd, and raised their cups in salute.

"Princess Rhaenys."

Their gazes then shifted to the girl whose hand Rhaenys was holding, her hair hidden beneath a hat, and their eyes filled with reverence.

"Mother of Dragons."

Ever since news spread of Daenerys emerging unscathed from a fire while cradling three dragons, the Targaryen princess had gained a sacred title.

'Mother of Dragons'

Combined with her brother Viserys being dubbed 'Crowned by the Seven Gods,' this title added an air of mystery to their already prestigious Targaryen bloodline, further solidifying their reputation in the public's mind.

As if they were divinely chosen.

Facing the saluting nobles, Rhaenys offered a polite, dignified smile.

She then nodded, and led Daenerys through the crowd, following the guards out of the door and disappearing from sight.

The maester, still seated in his place, watched Rhaenys and Daenerys leave, feeling his unease intensify for some unknown reason. He seemed lost in thought, accidentally dropping his fork on the ground with a clatter.

Melisandre, who had returned to her seat, glanced over at him curiously.

She remembered that this maester had always been composed and calm, so why was he so absent-minded and frequently losing his composure today?

She then saw the maester stand up, seemingly intending to follow Rhaenys out of the hall.

In an instant, the main table was left with only Oberyn, his paramour Ellaria Sand, and Melisandre.

After offering an apologetic smile to those still seated, the maester prepared to leave.

However, before he could turn around, two guards appeared out of nowhere and firmly pushed him back into his chair.

"Maester Gunther, I'm afraid you won't be able to leave just yet."