-Chapter 25-

-Chapter 25-

-POV Corlys Velaryon-

"You seem far too serene, your worried look has completely evaporated," Rhaenys said, looking at me with a mocking expression.

I smiled and replied, "I don't deny it. I'm happy to have finally set things right."

"Their right place, hmm," she said, smiling.

"It was an injustice and a farce. Everyone knew you were the true…"

"Let's not spoil this moment by dwelling on old grievances, especially when you managed to turn their trump card to our advantage."

I nodded, satisfied, but a question lingered in my mind: 'Should I marry Laena to Aemon?'

"No, Corlys," she said.

I frowned, confused, and Rhaenys added:

"I know you perfectly well, and I am determined to see them together. It's non-negotiable."

I raised my hand, not wanting to taste the wrath of my dragon, and said, "Very well, Laena will be betrothed to Aemon before he leaves for the Vale."

Rhaenys smiled, relieved, and I ran a hand through her dark hair, the only characteristic of her Baratheon heritage.

"I'm lucky to have you."

"I know."

I smiled at her cheeky remark, and just as I was about to kiss her, someone knocked on the door, causing me to stop and frown, while Rhaenys gave a mocking smile, enjoying my frustration.

"Lord, Prince Aemon requests an audience with you."

"I count on you to keep your promise," Rhaenys said, giving me a light kiss on the cheek before heading to the door to welcome her nephew.

I rolled my eyes before composing my expression.

---

-POV MC-

"Princess…"

"Please, no. I am your aunt, so let's forget the formalities between us if you don't mind. In fact, we were just talking about you," Rhaenys Targaryen said.

"Very well, Aunt Rhaenys," I said a bit awkwardly.

"You'll get used to it," she said, inviting me in.

"Lord Corlys," I said, seeing the man who, despite being tanned from his adventures across the Known World, bore no resemblance to the HBO series actor, Steve Toussaint.

He had a noble and graceful posture and total control over his facial expression. Upon seeing me, he nodded and said, "Lord Royce."

I smiled without reacting to him addressing me by my least prestigious title, but Rhaenys intervened and said, "Don't scare Aemon, he's my nephew and perhaps even more in the future."

I raised my eyebrows, surprised, as I hadn't expected it to be this easy, knowing the slight hostility the Sea Snake had towards me.

I took a deep breath and followed Rhaenys, who guided me to a seat. Once I sat down, she did the same, sitting with her husband opposite me.

I hesitated for a moment before finally saying:

"I wanted to talk to you about something before we all return to our lands, and I don't know how to bring it up, so forgive me if I seem rough in my words."

They both nodded calmly, so I said, "I understood that you wouldn't be opposed to an alliance between us. As a Prince of House Targaryen and Lord of Runestone, I know my duty. That's why I hope to prosper the two houses I represent by asking for your daughter's hand."

"For that sole reason?"

"I must admit that, although it is my main reason, I have been pleasantly surprised by her personality, intelligence, and beauty, which she surely inherits from you, Aunt Rhaenys."

She smiled at my compliment without saying anything, and Corlys followed up with another question:

"A marriage with House Velaryon is certainly prestigious for House Royce, of which you are the head, but what advantage would House Velaryon gain from such a union?"

"There would be numerous advantages for you. First, all my children will be Targaryens, which means each of them could be given the chance to claim a dragon once they are of age. Secondly, we could seal an agreement on the excellent quality wool available on my lands. And lastly, you will have the support of the most powerful dragon in the making," I said confidently.

"I have nothing to say against the first two points, although the second is trivial compared to the immense fortune my house enjoys thanks to the many exploits I achieved in my youth, but I find you quite presumptuous about the future size of your dragon," Corlys said, addressing me with a slightly condescending tone.

"Twelve years old, nearly 140 feet, and Urrax grows faster with each passing day. There's nothing more to add," I said, this time in a firmer and sharper tone.

I had to establish my position, otherwise, I would be trampled sooner or later under the pretext of being his son-in-law. I am in no way his puppet, not a small pawn on his chessboard that he moves at will. I was a player in this great game that is the Game of Thrones, and I would not humiliate myself to please him.

'Though I should not disrespect a man as powerful as he, who, while not a dragonlord, currently controls three,' I thought, staring fearlessly at the most powerful lord in the realm.