Time flew by, and seven days had passed.
A three-masted sailing ship, flying three red dragon banners, crossed Blackwater Bay and arrived at the port of Tidehead Island.
The once-bustling and lively port was now somewhat desolate.
Apart from a few cargo ships, the only sound was the gentle washing of the tides against the shore.
Dressed in a white gauze gown, Laenor stood at the port, gazing at the royal vessel anchored nearby.
A group of guards stepped onto the dock, splitting into two lines.
The first to emerge was Alicent, dressed in a green gown, supporting a pale-faced Viserys.
"Take it slow, we've already reached land."
Alicent gently patted her husband's back, comforting him in a soft voice.
Viserys' seasickness had struck again, leaving him severely nauseous.
The king and queen led the way, followed by Rhaegar and his younger siblings.
To accommodate his father, Rhaegar had chosen to travel by ship instead of riding his dragon, despite the slower journey.
A sudden screech pierced the air—
A dark dragon shadow flashed across the sky, disturbing the peaceful presence of the other dragons.
The golden-yellow Syrax, Sunfyre, and the pale silver-grey Seasmoke scattered at the sight of the ravenous intruder.
Laenor stepped forward respectfully to greet them. "Your Majesty, Your Grace."
Viserys nodded slightly, attempting to speak, but he swallowed hard and refrained.
"He's feeling unwell. We'll need to have the maester take a look at him later."
Alicent forced a smile, speaking on behalf of her husband.
Laenor nodded in understanding and led the way.
---
Traveling by carriage into High Tide, the castle's atmosphere was even gloomier.
Inside the great hall, numerous guests were waiting.
Laenor offered an apologetic smile. "My father is bedridden, and my mother is tending to the guests, so I will be hosting in their place."
The Sea Snake had suffered severe wounds in his crushing defeat at Bloodstone Island.
He had been recuperating at Tidehead Island ever since and had only recently regained consciousness.
Upon hearing of Vaemond's death, he had fallen into a high fever that very night, worsening his condition.
Viserys, having somewhat recovered from his seasickness, managed a weak smile. "It's no trouble. Please, take me to Lord Corlys."
Since he had come all this way, he naturally had to meet the master of the castle.
"This way, Your Majesty."
Laenor didn't refuse and, along with Alicent, helped support the king as they ascended the stairs.
Left behind, Rhaegar shrugged and addressed his younger siblings. "You're free to move around, just don't run off too far."
"Okay!"
Helaena was the first to respond, taking Aemond and Daeron by the hands and leading them toward the banquet table laden with food.
Daeron, brimming with curiosity, wriggled free from his sister's grasp and darted off.
Aemond, his face slightly flushed, allowed Helaena to lead him, staying quiet as usual.
Rhaegar paid them little further attention.
Their distinctive silver hair and violet eyes made them easily recognizable.
In the familiar grounds of Tidehead Island, no one would dare lay a hand on them.
"Rhaegar!"
Suddenly, a voice called from behind.
Turning, Rhaegar saw Rhaenyra standing on the stairs leading to the second floor.
She had abandoned her usual extravagant style—
Dressed in an off-the-shoulder black gown, her chest was free of the elaborate Myrish lace and jeweled embellishments she typically adorned. Her long hair was tied up in a simple knot.
With just a glance, Rhaegar understood the reason.
"Rhaenyra, have you become a wet nurse?"
He smirked, eyeing the two swaddled infants in her arms.
Rhaenyra lifted her chin proudly. "No! I don't have milk. I'm their foster mother."
After the Riverlands campaign celebration, the siblings had parted briefly—
Rhaegar had remained at Harrenhal for restoration work, while Rhaenyra had flown to Tidehead Island to care for the children.
Since she had taken on the title of foster mother and promised to help Laenor, she had to follow through.
Rhaegar strode up the steps, reaching out to take one of the infants from her arms.
"Hmph, at least you have some sense."
Rhaenyra grinned—carrying two babies had been exhausting on her shoulders and back.
Rhaegar glanced down at the dark-skinned baby girl in the swaddle—lively and wriggling, her tiny arms and legs kicking about.
After a brief look, he lost interest.
Leaning in close, he whispered near Rhaenyra's ear, his breath warm against her skin, "How is Lord Corlys?"
"Stop that," she chided, nudging him away before answering seriously, "He's holding on, but Laenor is taking it hard. He hasn't been coping well."
Despite surviving the battlefield alongside his uncle, Laenor now had to face the cruel irony of losing him to something as trivial as a ruptured stomach.
It had shaken him deeply.
Hearing this, Rhaegar's eyes darkened, lost in thought.
Logically speaking, even if the Triarchy had planned an assassination, Vaemond wouldn't have been their primary target.
Aegon and Laenor would have been the more obvious choices.
Yet, somehow, those two were unharmed, while Vaemond had fallen.
It didn't add up.
Rhaenyra nudged him with her shoulder, speaking softly. "Stop overthinking. The funeral is this afternoon."
"Alright. Let's find a wet nurse for the children first."
Rhaegar shook off his thoughts and playfully climbed the stairs.
---
**That Afternoon**
A gentle sea breeze blew as the tide washed against the rocky shore.
In the rear garden of High Tide, on a flat seaside cliff—
Guests gathered around a central point where a wooden coffin, carved in the shape of a man, had been placed.
**Viserys stood side by side with Alicent, their children gathered around them.**
Corlys sat in a wheelchair, a bandage wrapped around his neck, while Rhaenys, veiled in black, pushed him from behind.
When the time came, Corlys ignored Rhaenys' attempts to dissuade him and personally conducted his brother's funeral.
His voice was low and hoarse as he recited the eulogy:
**"Today, we gather at the Seat of the Sea to bid farewell to Ser Vaemond Velaryon, committing him to the eternal waters, into the domain of the Merling King."**
**"In the years to come, may he forever watch over us."**
**"..."**
As the eulogy was recited, the guards secured ropes around the coffin and slowly lowered it into the sea below.
With this, the most important part of the funeral concluded.
The guests began to disperse, and the servants brought out food and wine for the farewell feast.
**"Screeech..."**
A dragon's roar echoed through the sky. Syrax flapped its wings, gleefully circling above the castle.
Accompanying it were the Red Queen, Meleys, and Seasmoke.
Perched atop a mountain ridge near the castle lay a massive, pale-blue dragon, lazily swishing its tail.
On the cliffs near the shore, Sunfyre stood tall on its two feet, gazing down arrogantly.
Vhagar and the Cannibal were absent—their massive sizes made it impossible for them to find a suitable perch in the area.
Viserys, holding Alicent's arm, walked back toward the castle with Lord Corlys and Lady Rhaenys.
Laenor found Rhaenyra and pulled her aside for a conversation.
Meanwhile, little Rhaegar was once again left alone, helplessly glancing around.
Laenor, grief-stricken, drank cup after cup of wine, accompanied by a handsome knight.
Aegon, drinking at a similarly reckless pace, let his gaze wander over the servants' backsides, occasionally reaching out to slap them.
Bored, Rhaegar stretched lazily and eventually settled near Helaena, who was kneeling in a corner, playing with a ball of yarn. He closed his eyes for a nap.
**"Sister…"**
Aemond ran over from a distance, a grin on his face.
Helaena immediately turned her head, placing a finger to her lips. **"Shh! Keep your voice down."**
She pointed at Rhaegar, who was sitting behind her, gesturing for Aemond to remain quiet.
Aemond froze for a moment, his hands fidgeting behind his back. In a hushed voice, he responded, **"Oh… okay."**
He stole a glance at his older brother Rhaegar, a flicker of jealousy flashing in his eyes.
---
### **At the Banquet Table**
Laenor held Rhaenyra's hand, smiling gently. **"Rhaenyra, thank you for preparing dragon eggs for the children."**
**"I am their foster mother. It is my duty."** Rhaenyra responded calmly.
**"Even so, I still appreciate it."**
A trace of reluctance flickered across Laenor's eyes as he took a deep breath. **"Once the children turn one, I will send them to Dragonstone or King's Landing, where you will raise them."**
Foster children were essentially hostages.
This arrangement had already been agreed upon, and there was no going back.
But as a mother, the thought of handing over her two children filled Laenor with an inevitable sadness.
Rhaenyra had yet to become a mother and could not fully understand her friend's emotions.
Still, she offered reassurance.
**"The children will be in my care. They will grow up healthy, whether they choose to be dragonriders or ladies—it will be their choice."**
**"I trust you."**
Laenor's smile turned bittersweet before she changed the subject. **"How is Daemon?"**
Since leaving King's Landing, she had not heard any news of her husband.
Rhaenyra thought for a moment before responding, **"He's alright, though I don't know much. He should be repenting in the dungeons every day."**
The mention of "repenting" made both women exchange amused glances.
With Daemon's proud and rebellious nature, admitting to any wrongdoing—let alone repenting—was unlikely.
Laenor squeezed Rhaenyra's hand slightly, her tone pleading. **"Rhaenyra, on the children's first naming day, I hope they can see their father, even if only once."**
**"You'll have to ask my father."** Rhaenyra narrowed her eyes.
Laenor's gaze was sincere, her voice soft. **"I will beg His Majesty for mercy, but I also hope you can help. Do it for the children."**
**"I will try. If it's just a meeting, it shouldn't be a problem."**
Rhaenyra withdrew her hand, her tone indifferent.
**"Thank you."**
Laenor whispered her gratitude.
---
### **High Tide, Nine Walls Hall**
Corlys sat in his wheelchair, his complexion looking grim.
Rhaenys watched him with concern, worried about his health.
**"Lord Corlys, I grieve deeply for Ser Vaemond's passing. The realm will remember his service."**
Viserys sat upon the Driftwood Throne, looking down at Corlys and Rhaenys as he spoke.
His face was forced into a smile, his hands gesturing as he spoke.
Rhaenys spoke on her husband's behalf. **"Cousin, you and I both know that Vaemond's death was not natural."**
She had already conducted an investigation. It was highly likely that he had been poisoned—with the infamous Tears of Lys.
The poison was colorless and tasteless, undetectable when mixed into food or drink.
At first, it caused only mild stomach discomfort, but over time, the poison accumulated in the body until the moment of fatal eruption.
Viserys' smile faded, and he spoke in a deep voice. **"The Three Daughters suffered heavy losses. I anticipated they would retaliate, but I didn't expect them to do so in this manner."**
There was no need for pretense. Playing dumb served no purpose.
Rhaenys hesitated, but Corlys spoke first. **"Your Grace, Vaemond died in service to the realm. It is his greatest honor."**
**"But the Three Daughters remain unchecked. The defenses of the Stepstones are still inadequate."**
Viserys frowned. **"The mercenaries on Grey Gallows are retreating. The royal army is stationed there. What more is needed?"**
Corlys' voice was hoarse. **"If we want to end this once and for all, we must build fortresses on Bloodstone and Grey Gallows to guard against further attacks."**
It was the proposal he had championed since his tenure as Master of Ships.
**"I will consider it carefully, Lord Corlys."**
Viserys paused for a moment before responding.
He recalled Alicent's proposal to grant Aegon a fiefdom.
And the man still locked in the dungeons—Daemon.
The conversation concluded, and Viserys left Nine Walls Hall.
Corlys watched his departing figure, his gaze dark and unreadable, his fists clenched tightly.
The Velaryon family had sacrificed too much in the Stepstones War.
**"Corlys, let it go."**
Rhaenys' voice was gentle with concern.
**"I am fine."**
Corlys took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on the flickering candlelight on the wall, murmuring to himself:
**"The Three Daughters… One day, you will pay an even heavier price."**
**"..."**
**(End of Chapter)**