"If it comes to that..." He whispered to himself, his voice blown away by the sea breeze, "My father-in-law is not incapable of being killed."
As for Rhaenyra? If it really comes to that, if she hates him because of her father's death, if he has to choose between power and emotion...
"The worst case scenario is to imprison her." When this thought flashed through his mind, Redd himself was stunned for a moment.
Imprisoning Rhaenyra? That proud woman with the soul of a dragon? That dragon princess who would rather die than surrender?
He shook his head and suppressed this extreme idea for the time being. Things were far from that point.
Now, he still has time, chips, and countless ways to solve the problem of Daemon without completely breaking up.
The key is rhythm and timing.
He can let Otto and Alicent act as the "promoters" and let House Hightower confront Daemon in the open, while he makes plans in the dark.
He can take advantage of the contradictions within the Three Daughters alliance to divide the thirty-three governors and prevent them from forming a unified anti-dragon alliance.
He could even "leak" evidence of Daemon's collusion with foreign enemies through Mysaria's intelligence network to Viserys in a timely manner, allowing the king to deal with this restless younger brother himself - although Viserys may not have the courage.
As for Tormund and his sea dragon... that is a variable, and it may be a double-edged sword.
If you can find him, you may be able to try to win over him and make him a third-party force to check and balance Daemon.
After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
"Master." Mysaria's voice sounded from behind, interrupting his thoughts, "Princess Rhaenyra asked you if you would like to go back to the cabin to rest. The night breeze is cold, and she is worried that you will catch a cold."
Redd turned around and saw Mysaria standing a few steps away, her slim silhouette outlined by the moonlight.
Her eyes were as respectful as ever, but there was also a hint of concern that was difficult for others to detect.
"Tell her I'll go back right away." Redd said, taking one last look in the direction of King's Landing.
The weak lights there still flickered, as if countless pairs of eyes were peering into the darkness.
He stepped towards the cabin.
No matter how many variables lie ahead, no matter how much hesitation he has in his heart, he knows that he will eventually make a choice.
And when that day comes, he'll make sure he's on the winning side - no matter what the cost.
In the cabin, Rhaenyra raised his head and saw him coming in, with a gentle smile on his face.
That smile made Redd's heart soften, and it also made him firmer on a certain idea:
He must take control to ensure that this smile does not disappear forever due to war, death and betrayal.
Even if he does this, he needs to step over the body of Daemon, or even the throne of Viserys.
The ship continued to sail towards Dragonstone, and under the sea surface of Blackwater Bay, there was an undercurrent surging.
When night comes, the sea breeze blows gently, bringing a faint but refreshing coolness.
This breeze seemed to have some magical power, making Redd's thinking extremely sharp and sober.
After some careful consideration, he finally made an important decision - no longer hesitant and lost his way.
Ever since, Redd turned around resolutely, left the empty space at the bow of the ship with firm steps, and walked straight towards the interior of the cabin.
When Redd stepped into the cabin, a heavy sense of responsibility came to my heart.
He knew that he had a great mission: to have a candid conversation with Rhaenyra and jointly discuss the establishment of her status as heir to the throne.
This issue is urgent and cannot be delayed any longer.
In any case, even if Viserys is not willing to accept this fact, he has no way out!
Even if it comes to a last resort, Redd would rather take tough measures to force the other party to surrender.
However, it is not easy to convince Rhaenyra, because letting his biological daughter go against her elderly father,
Whether from a moral or emotional perspective, it will undoubtedly bring huge psychological pressure and challenges to Rhaenyra.
Redd walked in and immediately saw Mesalia taking good care of Rhaenyra who was feeling a little uncomfortable due to the shaking of the ship's hull.
Seeing this scene, Redd gently motioned to Mesalia to step aside for a moment.
After all, the conversation that is about to begin is crucial and sensitive.
During this period, it is best for Mesalia to stay out of the matter temporarily to avoid being involved in it and suffering unnecessary trouble or distress.
What's more, at this moment, Rhaenyra's attitude towards this matter has not yet been made clear. If Mesalia knows too much inside information, it will be detrimental to the smooth resolution of the matter.
Mesalia has always been smart and considerate, so she naturally understands the deep meaning of Redd's words.
She nodded obediently to express her understanding and quickly stood up and left. At the same time, she gently closed the hatch to ensure that the privacy in the house was fully protected.
In the cabin, the candlelight flickered, casting Rhaenyra's figure on the bulkhead, swaying with the slight bumps of the ship's hull.
She was leaning on the couch, her face a little pale, one hand pressed on her bulging belly, her brows slightly furrowed - the discomfort during pregnancy and the bumps on the sea made her look particularly fragile at the moment.
Redd sat down next to her, reached out and held her cold hand, but did not speak immediately.
Rhaenyra raised his eyes to look at him, his purple eyes looked particularly deep in the candlelight, with his shadow reflected in them.
"What did Alicent say to you?" she asked, with a trace of lingering jealousy and vigilance in her voice.
"Daemon." Redd did not hide it. "He colluded with the Three Daughters alliance to plot Stepstones, and is still pursuing Tormund and Hai Long.
Alicent, on behalf of Otto, proposed to share intelligence and coordinate actions with us."
Rhaenyra's brows furrowed even more tightly, but the jealousy was replaced by more important information. "Daemon... Is he crazy? Collaborating with foreign enemies is treason!"
"He never cares about treason, he only cares about power." Redd said lightly, "But that's not important.
What's important is that the situation is getting out of control.
Daemon's ambition, the intervention of the Three Daughters alliance, the unknown variables of Tormund's sea dragon, your father's growing suspicion and Otto's calculations...
Everything is accelerating."
He paused, looked into Rhaenyra's eyes, and said word by word, "Rhaenyra, your status as crown prince cannot be delayed any longer."
Rhaenyra's body stiffened slightly.
"Viserys must publicly and officially confirm that you are the sole heir of Iron Throne."
Redd continued, his tone calm but with unquestionable firmness, "It's not about saying a few ambiguous words at the banquet, or making a few promises in private.
Instead, in front of the Seven Kingdoms nobles, he was formally canonized and written into the law, leaving everyone speechless."