The two ministers had truly "rushed" over.
"Lord Lusris, is something urgent?"
Colton probed indirectly.
Lusris was no pushover either. He strode briskly with a calm expression. "Yes. His Majesty was accidentally injured, and I need to report it to the prince."
"What a coincidence. So do I!"
Colton smiled, subtly putting more force into his legs.
Just moments ago, they had both received earthshaking news.
Lord Owen had come forward to recruit Dragon Guards throughout The Crownlands, offering Special Crops as rewards to outstanding recruits.
Dragon Guards! Special Crops!
Both pieces of news pointed to Prince Daeren.
As a man from The Reach, Lord Owen was not exactly thriving in The Crownlands; he was practically dying of thirst. He would certainly need the help of a local power.
"It has to be me!"
Colton and Lusris exchanged a look, and the air between them faintly crackled with tension.
Daeren chuckled and asked, "My lords, are you racewalking?"
"Prince, you jest."
Colton adjusted his collar, putting on the air of an upright gentleman.
Daeren merely smiled without replying, looking instead at the solemn-faced Lusris.
Both were Valyrian-descended nobles, but Lusris had inherited Driftmark at a young age. Having endured the hardships of sea voyages, he possessed a more tenacious temperament.
"Prince, I heard that you intend to recruit Dragon Guards. House Valeryon has followed House Targaryen to this day and is willing to offer its modest assistance."
"Oh? I thought you two had come here for a leisurely stroll."
Daeren sounded somewhat regretful, as though he had failed to understand their meaning.
If they wanted to hop aboard a rising tide, they first had to show what they could offer.
Colton hurriedly said, "The Gold Dragons for recruiting Dragon Guards will be funded by the royal treasury. As Minister of