When everything is stable, the position of naval commander and the Driftmark fleet will naturally be commanded by House Velaryon, Laenor or the successor you deem appropriate."
He had a desperate idea and put forward a condition: support him in integrating the remaining forces of Corlys and support his Blackwater Bay fleet, in exchange for him keeping the "secret" and helping House Velaryon survive the immediate power crisis.
Rhaenys closed his eyes and his chest heaved violently.
The pain of losing her husband, family crisis, threat to reputation, temptation of power... all kinds of emotions and interests are fiercely fighting in her heart.
She knows that Daemon is not a kind person, and cooperating with him is tantamount to seeking the skin of a tiger.
But at the moment, does she have a better choice? Can Laenor take on the important task? What is the attitude of King's Landing? What is the attitude of Redd and Dragon King from the east?
After a long time, she slowly opened her eyes, only fatigue, coldness and a trace of determination remained in her eyes.
"...Daemon, you should go down and rest first. This person... leave it to me. The matter of the fleet... let me consider it."
She didn't agree immediately, but she didn't refuse either, and she didn't rebuke Daemon for "blackmail." This in itself was a signal of acquiescence and compromise.
Daemon is determined and knows that most of the goal has been achieved.
He saluted respectfully. "Yes, take your leave and wait for your instructions." He signaled to the guards to keep the pirate prisoners behind, and he exited the meeting hall.
In the empty meeting hall, only Rhaenys and the pirate prisoner who collapsed on the ground with an ashen face were left.
Rhaenys walked towards him step by step, with cold flames burning in his purple eyes. In that flame, there was grief, anger, and the cruel decision that must be made for the survival of the family.
In the harbor outside High Tide, the broken fleet brought by Daemon was moored quietly, like a beached giant beast.
Driftmark's sky has become overcast with clouds at some point.
A new storm caused by death, secrets and deals is brewing inside this sea castle.
And in the chess game of Daemon, another insidious and crucial piece fell.
On the other side, Redd rushed back to the Dragonstone castle without stopping, anxious to see his pregnant wife - Rhaenyra.
He walked in a hurry, as if he couldn't wait to convey the care and joy in his heart to his lover.
When Redd stepped into the castle hall, he immediately saw the figure that made him think about it day and night.
Rhaenyra was seen wearing a low-cut black long skirt. Even so, it was still difficult to cover up her high bulging belly.
At this moment, she exuded a unique maternal radiance, which was beautiful and moving.
After being apart for many days, the longing between the two became more intense.
A simple hug was no longer enough to express the surging emotions in their hearts, so they couldn't help but kiss each other.
At this moment, time seemed to have stopped, and only the deep attachment and love between them remained in the whole world.
After the passionate kiss, Redd asked about Rhaenyra's recent physical condition with concern, and carefully helped her walk to the bed and sit down.
Then, he gently leaned down and lay gently on her swollen belly, listening intently to the subtle sounds coming from the baby in her belly.
Mesalia, the maid on the side, witnessed this scene and silently exited the room, closing the door behind her, leaving a quiet and private world for the loving couple.
After all, Rhaenyra is pregnant now, and Redd knows that she should be careful in her words and actions at this time and must not do anything out of line.
Dragonstone In the master bedroom of the castle, the thick curtains are half-closed, blocking part of the sea breeze, but making the indoor light appear warm and quiet.
The air was filled with a faint scent of incense and a faint hint of the soft scent of pregnant women.
Rhaenyra leaned on the soft pillow, while Redd leaned over and gently placed his ear against her high bulge.
With his eyes closed, his expression was unprecedentedly focused and gentle, as if he was listening to the most beautiful music in the world.
Through the thin layer of clothing on his palms, he could clearly feel the vitality of the wriggling and kicking movements. Every slight movement made the corners of his mouth raise unconsciously.
Rhaenyra looked down at her husband's rare gentle profile, his violet eyes filled with tenderness and satisfaction.
Her slender fingers unconsciously combed Redd's somewhat messy hair, and whispered some trivia about Dragonstone recently:
Which baby dragon is naughty again, which maid made a joke, her own recent changes in taste...
The words are filled with the joy of becoming a mother and the cherishment of a peaceful life.
Redd listened patiently, echoing or chuckling from time to time, as if the bloody storm and power game outside were temporarily far away from this cozy bedroom.
After Rhaenyra finished speaking, Redd straightened up, sat down next to her again, and held her hand.
His expression gradually became serious, but his tone remained calm.
"Rhaenyra," he said, "A lot of... unexpected things happened during this trip to Stepstones. I think I should tell you."
The relaxed expression on Rhaenyra's face faded away. She held Redd's hand back and nodded. "You say it, and I'll listen."
Redd did not hide anything. From the moment he arrived at Stepstones, he narrated what happened:
The subtle and tense relationship between Corlys and Daemon; the discovery of Tormund and his sea dragon "Raging Waves";
Daemon's impatience and greed led to a pursuit; Tormund summoned the Naga descendants to cause huge waves to fight with terror; Corlys was suspected of dying in the chaos;
Daemon integrates the remaining fleet and heads to Driftmark; and, most importantly--
"The dragon 'Caraxes' that Daemon is riding now is probably the same 'Caraxes' that was thought to be dead back then."
Redd said in a deep voice, "According to Daemon's vague revelation, he used a certain method to save Caraxes's dragon soul, which turned it into the more ferocious and bone-spurred appearance it has now.
He possesses some... knowledge or means about dragon soul transfer or forbidden resurrection."
Rhaenyra took a deep breath and turned slightly pale.
As Targaryen, she knows better than anyone else what dragons mean to the family, and she also understands the significance and potential dangers of "resurrecting" a dragon (even this twisted resurrection).
Daemon... He actually hides such secrets and methods?
"And the sea dragon, and the giant beast that appeared later..." Redd continued, describing the strangeness of the "raging wave" and the terror of the Naga's descendants, "Mysaria speculated that the giant beast might be the descendant of the legendary Naga.
Tormund's ability to summon it may be related to his adventures in his early years. He mentioned the 'Ocean Guide' and the 'Mermaid'.
Stepstones That sea area may be connected to some ancient and mysterious realms that we land people have never really understood."