"You seem to know a lot!"
Watching Rhaegar talk away with such confidence, Rhaenyra pinched his cheek.
"Of course. I was forced to read thousands of books. My head's full of knowledge."
Whenever he thought about it, Rhaegar still shuddered. He'd suffered enough from being force-fed an education.
Rhaenyra gave a soft snort. "You're so clever. Help me think through a problem."
"Bring it on." Rhaegar was brimming with confidence.
"Father has considered a marriage alliance for me. The Sea Snake's son, Laenor."
Rhaenyra spoke calmly, leaving out the fact that Rhaegar himself was the other potential match.
Rhaegar was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected her question to be about this.
He was just a little kid. What did he know about politics?
After a moment's hesitation, Rhaegar asked, "Do you like him?"
"No," Rhaenyra replied at once.
Rhaegar racked his little brain, puzzled. "Does Father want to win the Sea Snake over?"
Rhaenyra hugged him a little tighter and said coolly, "The Sea Snake is a renowned naval commander. House Velaryon is fabulously wealthy, and it has three dragons to defend it. It's worth any price to bring them over to our side."
"It's a good idea. It fits Father's way of doing things." Rhaegar seemed to sense his sister's silence, and his voice lost its easy cheer.
"Tell me, should I agree and shoulder the responsibility of being heir?" A glint of amusement passed through Rhaenyra's eyes.
"If it were me, I'd probably agree."
Rhaegar answered in a tiny voice, his head bowed so he wouldn't have to look at Rhaenyra.
Rhaenyra gave a soft snort and pushed him away. "I knew you and Father were on the same side."
"No... I'm not."
Rhaegar immediately protested, flustered. "But you're the heir. Until there's a better solution, you