The Cities in the North

Haldor wanted to take care of the border cities and their development before visiting the sage, who had been competing with him at auctions for innovative products.

This time, Rhaenyra had accompanied him with her dragon and asked, "What's the point of building these cities if, when night falls, we won't be able to do anything to stop it?"

"We'll have cavalry stationed here to provide support when men are needed at the wall. If the wall is breached, we'll set up a second defensive point in case Inverdalia falls into enemy hands," Haldor said, considering this point of the battle as part of his strategy.

"So, how do we stop them?"

"Fire, a lot of fire, so much that the North will thaw from the heat," Haldor said, looking at the fuel barrels he had been working to store.

The only way to stop the storm was with fire; this was the method they would use to win, and dragon fire combined with more fire would be the path to victory.

But now they needed to make more plans, not only for the war against the darkness but also to claim Rhaenyra's throne if her brother were to die at a young age.

"Do you like being free, or do you think that a sense of responsibility is a duty you must fulfill?" Haldor asked his wife, who had been calmer since marrying him and proving that he wasn't just a mad, debauched lover.

"I am a royal womb; I must bear my father many children who can claim the throne in case there's a tragedy in our reign."

"Does it matter a lot?"

"It matters to me, at least now, since you've shown me the responsibility you've taken for lands that aren't yours," Rhaenyra said with a smile.

"How many children do you want to have?" Haldor asked with some excitement.

"Not now…"

Crack!

At that moment, Haldor turned around and saw a snotty-nosed girl holding a green apple.

"Hello…" Rhaenyra tried to hide her surprise and, certainly, her concern about the girl's living conditions.

Haldor approached the girl and positioned himself in front of Rhaenyra as if trying to protect her from an imminent threat.

"What are you doing?" Rhaenyra was confused by this.

"Well, I don't want to seem important, but they've really sent more assassins than I accounted for, so a child could be the end of my surprises."

"I don't think a child wants to kill us, especially not her."

Haldor looked at Rhaenyra as if he were considering something and said, "I'll take the risk, sorry."

Boom!

As Haldor finished these words, several poisoned daggers were thrown at him, and with a swift movement, an ice sling was directed at the girl.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

"Wizards…" Rhaenyra watched as the appearance of the girl began to change as the ice spikes pierced her body.

This should have been a big surprise for her, but not for Haldor; he was very familiar with assassins and would remain distrustful until the day he died.

"Have you seen the Hand of the King recently?" Haldor asked, somewhat interested in the topic.

"He's ill; they say it's very serious, as if his body is dying."

Haldor ignored this and walked toward the girl. By the time he arrived, she had died, so there was nothing to worry about. "You'll need to stay by my side at all times for your protection."

"I don't think they'll attack again, but it's fine," Rhaenyra said, understanding that her life might be in danger.

"We'll also share beds."

"I don't have a problem with that."

"Yes, we are married."

"When will you claim your rights?"

"Tonight?"

"Maybe…"