Meanwhile, his bond with Rhaenys grew deeper by the day. The little girl had all but come to see him as her own older brother. One afternoon, as Viserys held Rhaenys by a window in Maegor's Holdfast and gazed out at the sea, she wrapped her arms around him and murmured dreamily, "Viserys, don't leave me."
Looking at her innocent little face, Viserys felt a pang of guilt. He thought of the seven Dragon Eggs beneath his bed, the turbulent times ahead, and the tragic fate that had originally awaited the girl before him. Gently taking her little hand, he replied, "I won't leave you. I promise."
That promise was as much to himself as it was to Rhaenys.
One day, while accompanying Rhaenys to play in the gardens, Viserys unexpectedly found Ashara sitting with Princess Elia Martell, deep in conversation. When Ashara saw him, she smiled and beckoned him over.
"Princess Elia tells me you're very fond of Rhaenys," Ashara said, looking at the little girl whose hand Viserys was holding.
Elia Martell, the princess of Dorne, was still weak after recently giving birth to Aegon, but warmth shone in her eyes.
"Do you like children, Lady Dayne?" he couldn't help asking.
Ashara looked momentarily surprised, then gave him a gentle smile. "Yes, Your Highness. Very much."
As night fell, Viserys stood alone at his bedroom window, watching the scattered lights of fishing boats on Blackwater Bay. Thoughts swirled through his mind. He knew the wheels of fate had begun to turn, and danger was drawing closer in silence. All he could do was prepare as thoroughly as possible and protect the people he cared about.
The next morning, Viserys arrived at the training yard as usual. Today, however, Ser Barristan Selmy had a visitor beside him: his fellow Kingsguard, Ser Arthur Dayne.
"Your Highness, His Grace has summoned me to discuss affairs of state today." Barristan bowed as Viserys approached. "Ser Arthur will oversee your sword lesson in my place."
"I understand. Please, go attend to your duties, ser." After Barristan left, Viserys studied the man who had stood beside him.
The legendary Sword of the Morning wore white armor engraved with the falling white sword and shooting star of House Dayne, with a white cloak draped over his shoulders. His ancestral sword, Dawn, hung at his waist. His face was handsome and resolute, and his eyes held a faint violet sheen.
"Prince Viserys," Arthur Dayne said with a slight bow, "Ser Barristan tells me you have considerable talent with a sword and are making remarkable progress."
Viserys returned his bow. "Thank you for your praise, Ser Arthur. Your renown extends throughout the Seven Kingdoms. I am honored to receive your instruction."
He could feel the powerful presence Arthur exuded. It came not only from exceptional skill at arms, but also from an unshakable belief in victory.
"Would you spar with me so I can gauge your ability? Besides, actual combat is the quickest way to improve."
Viserys agreed to Arthur's request. He, too, wanted to experience the skill of one of this world's finest warriors. In the sparring that followed, Viserys gave it everything he had.
Their wooden swords met with a dull crack.
Viserys attacked with all his strength, using the techniques Barristan had personally taught him. Yet Arthur always anticipated his moves, parrying each attack with the smallest possible motion. After a few exchanges, Viserys began to feel frustrated. Arthur's sword seemed able to read his mind, breaking his offensive at precisely the most critical moments.
"Your strength is quite impressive, Your Highness," Arthur said, pressing his wooden sword against Viserys's wrist. "But your techniques are too rigid. You need to forget those fixed patterns."
He drew back his wooden sword and motioned for Viserys to take his stance again.
"Just remember how to hold your sword properly, then focus all your attention on the tip of your opponent's blade." Arthur's voice was steady and clear. "Anticipation matters more than reaction. See through your opponent's intentions before he strikes. Take the initiative rather than merely responding."
Viserys nodded and adjusted his stance. This time, he fixed his gaze on Arthur's wooden sword, trying to catch every subtle movement.
The corners of Arthur's mouth lifted slightly. With a small flick of his wrist, his wooden sword traced an arc. Viserys watched the tip with absolute concentration and reacted the instant it moved.
"Very good." Arthur's sword stopped in midair. "But not enough."
His blade suddenly accelerated, and Viserys hurried to adjust his own. The two wooden swords crossed in the air with a sharp crack.
"Now, don't just watch the sword," Arthur said, shifting his footwork. "Watch my shoulders and hips. That is where my true intentions lie."
Viserys tried to broaden his field of vision and immediately picked up more details. When Arthur attacked again, he moved to block in advance.
"That's it." Arthur nodded approvingly. "Now try to anticipate my next move."
They traded blows across the training yard, the clatter of wooden swords ringing out without pause. Gradually, Viserys forgot the rigid techniques and began responding instinctively to each of Arthur's attacks. His movements grew increasingly graceful.
"Stop." Arthur suddenly withdrew his sword. "That's enough for today."
Only when Viserys stopped did he realize how much time had passed. It was not until he relaxed that he became aware of the exhaustion in his body.
"Remember how this felt today," Arthur said earnestly. "Fighting isn't about memorizing formulas. It's about learning to read your opponent."
After training, Viserys took the initiative and invited Arthur to share a meal. This was a good opportunity to get to know him.
"Thank you for your instruction," Viserys said as he sliced his bread. "I've learned a great deal from your understanding of swordsmanship."
Arthur inclined his head. "You have considerable talent, Your Highness. But remember, improving your swordsmanship requires perseverance."
"I understand." Viserys chose his words carefully. "Ser Arthur, your skill with a two-handed sword is renowned throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Could I learn to wield one from you as well?"
Arthur looked a little surprised at first, but raised no objections. "Of course. I'll explain it to Ser Barristan."
In the days that followed, in addition to studying swordsmanship and building his foundations with Barristan, Viserys began learning to wield a two-handed sword under Arthur. His days were thoroughly occupied.
At the same time, he used his skinchanger abilities to keep a close watch on the movements of the various factions in King's Landing, especially Varys and Pycelle. Though he had changed nothing himself, he might still unwittingly set the butterfly's wings in motion. He therefore needed to stay informed on all fronts, so he could prepare in advance for anything unexpected.
Time steadily drew closer to the tourney at Harrenhal. Only one unusual event occurred during this period: Gerold Hightower, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, died of old age. After his funeral, Gerold Hightower, the White Bull, assumed command of the Kingsguard.
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