If Rhaenyra fails...
Redd looked in the direction of King's Landing, where there was nothing visible except the sea and the sky.
But his eyes seemed to be able to penetrate hundreds of miles away, seeing the hesitant king in Red Keep, Alicent's bulging belly, and Otto's eyes that were always calculating.
If she fails, there is no way out.
Forced coercion. No, if it goes that far, it may not be just coercion.
Viserys's hesitation and weakness have caused the situation to get out of control - Daemon proclaimed himself king, Three Daughters's alliance is eyeing it, Dorne took the opportunity to become independent, and Tormund and Hai Long disappeared.
If this weak king continues to sit on Iron Throne and allows the situation to deteriorate, the consequences will be disastrous.
When the time comes, Redd wouldn't mind dragging him down with his own hands.
Even if that means completely breaking up with House Targaryen, even if that means Rhaenyra might hate him.
"My father-in-law is not incapable of killing." He repeated his previous thoughts in his mind. This time, his tone was colder and more determined.
As for Rhaenyra... if he really gets to that point, if he really has to choose between power and emotion, he will choose power.
Then, he would spend the rest of his life making up for the woman he hurt.
Even if he imprisons her, even if he makes her hate him for the rest of her life, he will ensure that she and their children live safely and with dignity.
This is his bottom line and his selfishness.
Beside the port, a few seagulls were perched on the rocks. They were startled by the footsteps and flapped their wings to fly away.
Redd took one last look in the direction of King's Landing, turned around and walked towards the Dragonstone castle.
The three hundred baby dragons in the hatchery are growing vigorously. Cannibal is still coveting them in the shadows. King Ghidorah is perched on the highest crater, with its three heads looking up at the sky, as if waiting for something.
Redd stood high in the castle, overlooking his territory - this island made of volcanic rocks was becoming the core of his future hegemony.
In the distance, the outline of Westeros is vaguely visible. There is Iron Throne, there is war, there is conspiracy, and there is everything he must capture.
Three days.
He gave Rhaenyra three days and also gave himself three days.
Three days later, no matter what the outcome, the storm will come.
And he will stand at the center of the storm and welcome everything.
The sea breeze is still cool and the sun is still scorching. On Dragonstone, the gears of war have begun to turn.
The three days seemed extremely long while waiting.
In the hall of the Dragonstone castle, Redd was sitting on the throne made of obsidian, tapping the handrails unconsciously with his fingers.
Outside the window, the setting sun was setting in the west, dyeing the sea surface a dark red, as if indicating something ominous.
Three days ago, he watched the Rhaenyra ship disappear at the end of the horizon.
For three days, he dealt with the affairs of the island calmly on the surface - inspecting the growth of the young dragons, reviewing the remaining troops, and discussing the deployment plan of the 50,000-strong navy with Jetson.
But deep inside, the faint anxiety never dissipated.
He gave Rhaenyra three days, which was respect and a gamble.
Bet that her last fantasy about her father would bring about good results instead of pushing her into deeper pain.
But now, time is running out.
"Master." Jason's voice came from outside the door, with a hint of excitement that could not be concealed, "Ms. Mysaria is back!"
Redd stood up suddenly.
A moment later, Mysaria walked quickly into the hall, dusty but with obvious joy on his face.
She stood in front of Redd, knelt down and saluted, her voice was a little rushed due to the rush, but it was very clear:
"Master, King Viserys has agreed. He will publicly announce Princess Rhaenyra as the heir to the crown prince as soon as possible."
Redd's eyes flashed, but he did not show joy immediately. He knew that things would not be that simple.
"What about the conditions?"
Mysaria raised his head, admiration for his master's keen insight flashed in his eyes. "Your Majesty invites you to King's Landing for a detailed discussion."
Discuss in detail.
The word itself means everything.
Viserys is not surrendering unconditionally. He is using recognition of Rhaenyra's inheritance rights as a bargaining chip in exchange for face-to-face transactions with Redd.
The king, who had been cowardly for most of his life, finally plucked up the courage to make his request in front of his most feared son-in-law.
The corner of Redd's mouth curled up with a cold arc. He was not surprised, and even appreciated it.
If Viserys really surrenders unconditionally, it will disappoint him - a spineless king who is not even worthy of being an opponent.
"He's quite smart." Redd stood up and moved his shoulders and neck, "I know it's impossible to hide when the matter has reached this point, so it's better to take the initiative to speak out."
He looked at Mysaria: "Where is Rhaenyra? Is she okay?"
"Your Highness the Princess is fine." Mysaria replied, "She is staying at King's Landing, waiting for your arrival.
His Majesty's attitude toward her... became much gentler, and could even be said to be somewhat attentive.
Queen Alicent also acted very friendly, but according to my observation, Sir Otto was not present."
Redd nodded.
Otto is not present, which means that Viserys wants to get rid of the old fox this time and negotiate with him personally.
This is a good sign - at least it means that Viserys has not been completely controlled.
"Jesent." Redd turned to the general outside the door, "The 50,000-strong navy continues to gather towards Dragonstone, but the advance is postponed. We will make a decision after I return from King's Landing."
"Yes, Master."
Redd strode out of the hall, followed closely by Mysaria.
In the open space outside the castle, King Ghidorah's huge golden body was bathing in the afterglow of the setting sun. Its three heads turned to Redd, who was approaching at the same time, and its six eyes shone with a glimmer of connection with its owner.
"Old friend, I have to trouble you again." Redd said softly, and jumped up on King Ghidorah's broad back.
King Ghidorah let out a low neigh. There was both obedience to its master and a hint of excitement for the upcoming "flight" in its voice.
Its huge wings slowly unfolded, setting off a gust of wind that blew the surrounding sand and rocks flying in all directions.
Mysaria took a few steps back, shielded himself from the wind and sand with his hands, and said loudly, "Master, do you need me to accompany you?"
"No need." Redd's voice came from above, "You stay at Dragonstone and continue to pay attention to the trends of all parties.
If there is any abnormality, send a message immediately with raven."
"Yes!"
Before he finished speaking, King Ghidorah had already soared into the sky. The huge golden body was like a burning flame under the reflection of the setting sun. The three heads raised their heads to the sky, and every flap of their wings propelled it up rapidly.
In the blink of an eye, it turned into a golden light spot in the sky, shooting towards the direction of King's Landing.