Don't Let the Fertile Water Flow to Outsiders

After a moment of thought, Lyonel no longer dwelled on the succession issue and expressed his compliance.

He could see the trouble the King's actions would sow for the future of the kingdom.

As Hand, he had to find a way to resolve this hidden problem.

He had already thought through countless countermeasures for the succession.

This was not beyond his capabilities.

Lyonel said, "Speaking of the Princess's marriage choices, I have a candidate in mind after careful consideration."

"Who? I recall you mentioning Rhaenys Velaryon's son, Laenor Velaryon, last time?"

As long as the succession wasn't brought up, Viserys was easy to talk to, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Sir Laenor is indeed a suitable candidate for a political marriage, but that was a proposal from half a year ago."

Lyonel saw no need to play coy and stated directly, "Your Majesty, I believe that from all perspectives of the kingdom, the Princess would be best suited to follow the traditions of House Targaryen."

"Rhaegar?"

Viserys's smile froze, and he asked doubtfully, "He's only 6 years old, and Rhaenyra is 14. By the time they're both of marriageable age, Rhaenyra will be nearly an old maid."

Lyonel said confidently, "This is not a problem. In reality, they are only 8 years apart, and they could marry within ten years at the latest."

"Before then, they could be betrothed to deter outsiders from coveting the Princess."

His insightful and direct words demonstrated Lyonel Strong's wisdom and loyalty to the kingdom.

It must be said, these words deeply moved Viserys.

In the half-year since Rhaegar had recovered his health, although he hadn't expressed it, he had been repeatedly considering it in his heart.

He did not want to remove Rhaenyra's claim to the succession for his eldest son.

That would make his daughter resent him.

He owed Rhaenyra, feeling immense guilt towards his daughter who had lost her mother at such a young age.

At the same time, he knew that Rhaegar was more suitable as heir than Rhaenyra.

Some ministers had privately hinted at changing the heir, but he had brushed them all off.

For this reason, he had ordered Rhaegar confined, forbidding him from freely entering or leaving the Red Keep, and from hearing any whispers about the succession.

He was deceiving himself.

Perhaps, as long as Rhaegar didn't hear these things, he wouldn't be dissatisfied with losing his claim to the succession.

His guilt towards his two children would also lessen somewhat.

But he knew that a secret could not be kept forever.

He could not indefinitely restrict Rhaegar's freedom or block his ears.

Therefore, he was even more concerned about Rhaenyra's marriage.

As long as Rhaenyra found a powerful family to ally with, she could secure the Iron Throne in the future.

At that point, even if her siblings harbored any ill intentions, they would not have the capital to resist.

Lyonel had given him a good suggestion, opening up another avenue of thought.

Having Rhaenyra follow family tradition would not only deter ambitious individuals from coveting royal power.

It would also unite the two, preventing any rift over the succession.

Favoring this idea in his heart, Viserys said calmly, "But if they were to marry, wouldn't there be some resistance from both sides?"

"It doesn't matter. House Targaryen has always had customs like this, continuing from the Valyrian era."

Lyonel saw through the King's subtle thoughts and assured him, "His Highness is still young and doesn't understand these matters. As long as the Princess is persuaded, everything will proceed smoothly."

Having received the answer he desired, Viserys smiled, "Lyonel, you are truly my capable assistant."

"Sometimes I wonder what I would do without you."

Lyonel adjusted his crooked collar and said solemnly, "As Hand of the King, I dare not claim credit for serving you."

"I will adopt your suggestion and discuss it with Rhaenyra later."

Viserys, accustomed to his Hand's humility, gave his approval and encouragement.

Compared to Lyonel Strong's selfless dedication.

The former Hand, Otto Hightower, paled in comparison.

Look at Otto's presumptuous actions.

Marrying off his daughter to climb the royal ladder, secretly courting ministers to support his grandson Aegon...

He had even repeatedly urged him to change the heir.

If not for these actions, with Viserys's easygoing nature that avoided offending people, he would not have dismissed him from his post and sent him back to the Oldtown for recuperation.

Knock, knock, knock...

As the King and Hand reached an agreement and enjoyed fine wine, a hurried knocking sounded at the door.

Viserys frowned, displeased. "What is it? I am discussing matters of state with the Hand."

Harrold, Captain of the Kingsguard, called from outside.

"Your Majesty, Prince Rhaegar has just returned from the Dragonpit. His attendant says he is severely injured!"

"Rhaegar is injured? What happened?"

Upon hearing his eldest son was hurt, Viserys could no longer sit still. He hastily rose and opened the door.

Harrold's expression was grave. "The attendant said Prince Rhaegar suffered burns, seemingly from a failed attempt to tame a dragon?"

"Damn the person in charge of the Dragonpit! How dare they let Rhaegar attempt to tame a dragon privately!"

Viserys cursed angrily.

Lyonel advised from the side, "Your Majesty, now is not the time to assign blame. We should first attend to the Prince's injuries."

To be wounded by Dragonflame, surviving was a stroke of luck.

Even the slightest mistake could lead to disaster.

A young Prince held immense significance for the kingdom, and was a vital resource for the Targaryen family.

He absolutely could not perish at this time.

Viserys also came to his senses, saying in a panic, "Right, take me to Rhaegar! Summon the Grand Maester immediately for treatment!"

As he spoke, Viserys's feet moved uncontrollably, heading outside.

"Your Majesty, the Prince's chambers are downstairs. I will escort you."

Harrold stopped Viserys's frantic movements and escorted him down the stairs.

The group soon arrived at Rhaegar's room.

Standing in the corridor, Rhaegar's door was ajar. Viserys immediately saw Rhaegar lying unconscious on the bed, his burned back exposed.

In an instant, Viserys's eyes widened, experiencing a pain that felt like his heart was being twisted.

"Rhaegar!"

With a low cry, Viserys hurried to the bedside, looking at his eldest son with heartache.

Grand Maester Mellos, who was unwrapping bandages nearby, cautioned, "Your Majesty, it would be best not to disturb the Prince's rest. His injuries are very severe."

Viserys turned to him, asking urgently, "What is Rhaegar's condition?"

Mellos shook his head, his voice low. "The situation is not optimistic. He has extensive burns on his body, caused by Dragonflame. Recovery will be very difficult."

"Whatever medicine is needed, just ask for it. Rhaegar must be healed."

His eldest son had survived his previous frail health; if he were to die from Dragonflame due to negligence, Viserys felt he would go mad.

He couldn't imagine how he would explain it to Rhaenyra.

How he would explain it to his deceased wife, Aemma Arryn.

"No rare medicines are needed. The Prince's wounds were treated promptly by someone with a very skilled hand."

Mellos wrapped bandages around Rhaegar, preventing moisture loss and infection.

His actions stirred Rhaegar from his slumber.

Before he could open his eyes, he heard Viserys's sorrowful plea: "Grand Maester, please do everything you can to save him. I cannot lose another loved one."

This chapter has been revised. The Targaryen family tradition, those who understand will understand.