The days at sea were monotonous, and several more passed quickly.
Night.
The deep night sea, with its surging waves, crashed against the ship's planks, producing a loud noise.
Whoosh—
The two-masted merchant ship sliced through the waves, tearing apart the mist that permeated the sea. In the distance, an island shrouded in the night gradually appeared in people's sight.
Then it got bigger and bigger.
Viserys stood on the deck, holding the little black cat in his arms. The sea breeze tousled his hair, and his small face was a little flushed. During this period, he had been enduring the harshness of the sea winds, profoundly understanding the hardships of the sailors.
Besides the torment of loneliness, there was also physical suffering. The sharp sea wind now stung his face, causing a slight ache, as if tiny knives were slicing across his delicate skin. He could barely stand it.
The excitement he had felt when first setting out to sea had finally vanished.
During their short journey, they had even encountered a small storm, but aside from giving Viserys more experience, everything went smoothly.
Finally, they successfully arrived at their destination.
Dragonstone.
Now, viewed from afar, Dragonstone gradually grew larger in the boy's sight, resembling a mountain rising from the sea, or a giant dragon baring its fangs and claws, overlooking those attempting to approach it from Westeros.
It was as if a blast of scorching dragonfire would erupt at any moment.
Yet, Viserys, holding the little black cat, stood on the deck, unafraid, and stared back at "it."
"Meow~"
Because of seasickness, Rhaenys hadn't left the cabin in a long time. She stayed in the room all day, eating a little bit before falling asleep, otherwise, she would throw up everything.
The little girl was tormented, and she was a bit dizzy and even had a slight fever. This frightened Queen Rhaella, who had been taking care of her granddaughter these past few days.
"Dragonstone has arrived."
"Your Majesty, the Queen."
Standing behind Viserys, a man of ample build, wearing a luxurious garment, bowed slightly, then smiled at Queen Rhaella.
The wide sleeves couldn't hide the bracelet on his wrist, strung with various precious gems. Under the bright torchlight, the grease on his face, like the gems on his hand, could almost blind people's eyes.
Viserys turned his head and glanced at the other person. He instinctively felt that this person wasn't that simple. Perhaps it wasn't a coincidence that he had passed by Duskendale, then happened to be going to Pentos, and then passed by Dragonstone.
Perhaps he also had an ulterior motive.
However, they finally arrived at Dragonstone, and Viserys kept these thoughts to himself, not telling anyone.
Splash—
The sound of water constantly echoed in his ears. As the ship approached the shore, people on the shore noticed them. After an exchange, the large ship successfully docked. Those who came to greet them soon arrived.
"Your Grace, the Queen."
"Your Grace, the Queen."
Two people hurried over. One was an old maester in a white robe, and the other was the steward who had managed Dragonstone after Prince Rhaegar left.
Both knelt on one knee to welcome the Queen and the prince. The old maester was quite old and trembled slightly. After receiving a nod from his mother, Viserys hurried forward to help the old maester, one foot already in the grave, to his feet.
"Maester Daniel, it's been a long time."
Queen Rhaella rested a hand on her stomach, her silver hair fluttering in the sea breeze. Her beautiful eyes gazed at the old maester's graying hair, as if she saw the relentless passage of time itself. After a long moment, she spoke softly.
"Indeed, Princess Rhaella."
As a servant of the Targaryen family for many generations, the old maester had served the family since the time of Aegon V, Rhaella's great-grandfather.
Maester Daniel had essentially watched Rhaella and the current king, Aerys, grow up.
He had seen Rhaella Targaryen as a lively and lovely girl. He had also blessed her passionate love for Ser Bonifer Hasty. Ultimately, Maester Daniel had witnessed Rhaella's wedding to her brother, Aerys.
They didn't linger at the port due to the journey's strain. They walked and talked, making their way along the uneven road toward the dragon-shaped castle on the distant hills.
The distant village was shrouded in the deep darkness of night. Dragonstone had a small population and lacked resources, but it was the 'place of dragon's rise' for the Targaryen family.
Over two hundred years ago, Aegon I Targaryen and his two sisters had devised their plan to conquer the continent of Westeros here.
Queen Rhaella, supporting Maester Daniel, looked like a grandmother and grandson reminiscing, while Viserys was dragging the still dizzy Rhaenys, one foot in front of the other. Another middle-aged man, who had come with Maester Daniel, kept glancing at Rhaenys.
"Davos Sand."
The middle-aged man in leather armor suddenly spoke after a few glances at Rhaenys.
"Hmm?"
Viserys, hearing his voice, tilted his head slightly, realizing the man was looking at him.
"My name is Davos Sand, Your Highness."
The middle-aged man explained again.
"Greetings, Ser Sand."
Viserys pulled Rhaenys along, politely nodding at the man. He didn't know why this person wanted to strike up a conversation, but he was slightly taken aback as soon as the man spoke.
The man, seeing Viserys' expression, wasn't bothered, having grown accustomed to it long ago.
The surname Sand was used for bastards in Dorne, and the man had been sent to Prince Rhaegar as a "gift" when Dorne and the Targaryen family had formed a marriage alliance.
A significant number of Rhaegar's loyal followers came from Dorne, and this was the reason.
After exchanging greetings, the two fell silent again. Aside from Queen Rhaella catching up with Maester Daniel, the rest of the group remained quiet.
The majestic castle atop the hill gradually came into view. Stone Drum Keep, the main fortress of Dragonstone, earned its name because the ancient walls would rumble during storms.
Entering through the main gate, the castle's entrance was the mouth of a dragon. Dragon claw-shaped torch holders lined the walls on both sides, burning with roaring flames that elongated the group's shadows, illuminating the castle's interior.
Dragonstone's castle was entirely constructed of black stone, creating a somewhat oppressive and solemn atmosphere. Viserys walked through the castle, curiously gazing around.
The group then arrived in the main hall of the castle.
Queen Rhaella sat on the main seat in the hall, with Maester Daniel and the former acting steward, Davos Sand, seated on the side seats.
The old maidservant who had fled to Dragonstone with the Queen had taken Rhaenys and led the little girl away to rest.
The castle servants and soldiers were busy cleaning and tidying up.
And at this moment.
Queen Rhaella looked at Viserys and suddenly spoke.
"Viserys."
"Kneel here."
....
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