Or... in the process of Redd suppressing the bandits, some "accidents" were created, causing the Driftmark fleet to conflict with Tormund, or even Redd, causing both sides to suffer losses?
All kinds of dark thoughts breed in Daemon's heart.
Allies? Family ties? All these become insignificant in the face of the temptation of Iron Throne and his own desire for power.
He called his attendants and gave a few instructions in a low voice.
It's time to use some of your hidden powers and closely monitor Corlys, Redd, and the mysterious pirate Tormund.
Narrow Sea's storm seems to be more violent than expected.
And Daemon·Targaryen will never be willing to just be a spectator, or... a chess piece on someone else's chessboard.
He wants to be the one to play chess, even if he overturns the chessboard.
When Corlys left, he felt very heavy because he knew very well how dangerous his situation was at this moment!
On the one hand, King Viserys expressed deep doubts about his loyalty;
On the other hand, Daemon is coveting the extremely powerful naval fleet under his control.
Faced with such a dilemma, Corlys made a decisive decision - defected to Rhaenyra's side and gave her full support.
Although he had flatly rejected the olive branch offered by Rhaenyra before, the situation has now reversed, and he firmly believes that the princess Rhaenyra will readily accept his offer of affiliation.
You know, House Velaryon not only has three mighty and majestic dragons, but also a formidable naval force.
Such strong strength has undoubtedly become the most solid and powerful backing and guarantee for his actions.
Ever since, Corlys looked around anxiously for the figure of his wife Rhaenys, and couldn't wait to tell everything in his heart:
"Since the current king cannot bring me any practical benefits, but is suspicious of me and has no trust in me,
Then it would be better to find another wise master and turn your allegiance to the person who is expected to ascend to the throne..."
However, what Corlys didn't expect was that after Rhaenys heard these words, an unbelievable and extremely ridiculous look appeared on his face!
It turns out that although the old king did personally promise to canonize the eldest princess Rhaenyra as the successor to the crown prince, the so-called canonization ceremony has still not been held to this day.
In other words, as of now, Rhaenyra has not been officially canonized as the true heir to the crown prince!
Driftmark In King's Landing's residence, the study room was brightly lit with candles, but it could not dispel the coldness and solemnity in the air.
Corlys had just finished an unhappy meeting with Daemon. He almost immediately found his wife Rhaenys and told them all about the current danger and his decision.
"... So, we must make a choice, Rhaenys." Corlys's voice was a little hurried due to excitement,
"Viserys no longer trusts us. He supported Daemon to share my power. Otto·Hai Tarth is watching in the dark like a poisonous snake, ready to bite us at any time.
If we continue to be loyal to such a king, what awaits us will only be gradually being sidelined, or even worse!"
Rhaenys·Targaryen, the princess known as "Uncrowned Queen", sat quietly on the high-backed chair.
She did not inherit House Targaryen's iconic long silver-gold hair, but had long black hair.
Time has not completely worn away her beauty, but has added a bit of composure and majesty.
As she listened to her husband's statement, her brows furrowed more and more.
"Reverse? Support Rhaenyra?" Rhaenys's voice was calm, but with unquestionable doubts, "Corlys, wake up!"
Rhaenyra was indeed verbally promised the position of heir by the old kings Jaehaerys and Viserys, but that was just a verbal promise!
There was no formal and public canonization ceremony, no oath was taken in front of Seven and all the lords!
What is she now? She is a princess, a dragon knight, and the wife of Dongfang Dragon King, but she is not the legitimate heir of Iron Throne!"
She stood up, walked to her husband, and looked directly at him with her purple eyes. "What do you mean by supporting her now?
Supporting a 'possible' heir and going against the current, legitimate king? You are openly rebelling!
House Velaryon generation is loyal to Iron Throne, do you want to turn this loyalty into a flag of betrayal?"
"Loyalty?" Corlys retorted excitedly, the bitterness and anger of being forced into a desperate situation appeared on his face, "What did loyalty get in exchange? Suspicion! Suppression!
Daemon That greedy fool even wants to take away my fleet!
Rhaenys, look at the current situation!
Viserys's health deteriorated, Alicent·Hai Tarth and the child in her belly were pushed to the front desk by Otto,
Daemon is very ambitious, Rhaenyra and her husband are even more evil!
The Iron Throne battle is inevitable. If we continue to stand in the middle, we will only be regarded as a stumbling block by everyone and be the first to be eliminated!"
He grabbed his wife's arm and his tone was pleading and decisive:
"Supporting Rhaenyra does not mean betraying Iron Throne, but choosing a path that is more likely to preserve the family, or even take the family further!
She is one of the potential heirs recognized by King Jaehaerys before his death. She has a dragon, the blood of Targaryen, and now she also has a powerful foreign aid like Redd!
If we join, House Velaryon's fleet plus the three dragons, we will become her most solid pillar!
Once she succeeds, we will be the ones to support her, and Driftmark's status will be far greater than it is now!"
Rhaenys shook off his hand and took a step back, his face full of disappointment and disbelief. "Corlys, you are overwhelmed by fear and anger!
Rhaenyra's foreign aid? That Redd? He is the biggest variable and threat!
Look at what he did in the east. He annexed city-states and controlled Iron Bank. His methods were ruthless and his ambitions were obvious!
Is he supporting Rhaenyra to allow House Targaryen to continue to rule?
No! He wants to control Westeros through Rhaenyra!
We seek refuge in the past, but we are just chasing away tigers through the front door and letting in wolves through the back door!
You may even become his pawn and be discarded after being used by him!"
She took a deep breath and tried to calm down her voice. "Also, have you considered Laena and Laenor?
The relationship between Laena and Daemon broke down, but she may not have deep support for Rhaenyra. She just wants to leave these disputes now.
Laenor... He is not the person who can shoulder such a heavy responsibility.
The family is still unstable, so you are going to lead the whole family into the most intense political whirlpool?
Once it fails, House Velaryon's foundation will be destroyed!"
"Then what do you think we should do?" Corlys growled, frustration palpable, "continue to endure Viserys's suspicion and Daemon's covetousness?