This was the first time in a while that Viserys had actually wanted to rest.
Although he had gained a body that kept growing stronger after crossing into this world, and had trained since childhood, leaving him unafraid of exertion, the prolonged strain and planning still demanded a moment to catch his breath.
"Brother, you're awake." Seeing Viserys open his eyes, Rhaenys gave a faint smile and could not help asking happily, "What else do we have planned?"
Her expectant gaze settled on Viserys's face, still carrying some of the drowsiness peculiar to the early morning.
Viserys closed his eyes again and could not help drawing a deep breath, letting the peace between them settle in his chest.
From the courtyard outside the window came the faint sounds of horses passing in groups and the footsteps of the Night's Watch, reminding Viserys that the troubles of the world outside still needed his attention. For now, however, he wanted only to lose himself in this rare comfort.
"We'll leave for Winterfell first thing tomorrow morning." Even with his eyes closed, Viserys spoke with a relaxed expression, his voice carrying a trace of the satisfaction that came from resting after exhaustion.
Winterfell was the castle of House Stark and the true heart of the entire North, which it had ruled for more than eight thousand years. Although he had passed Winterfell before, he had only looked down at it from the sky, never gone inside to experience it for himself.
After all, the whole of Winterfell was said to have been built over a hot spring, with hot spring water channeled through the walls of its rooms to keep them warm and ward off the cold.
Moreover, Winterfell's construction might have involved some of Brandon the Builder's use of architecture and magic,