Chapitre 20: -Chapter 17-

Hi everyone, I'm writing to you from my bed because I've caught a cold.

It's just a little cold for now, which is quite annoying, but I hope it'll be gone in a few days.

I hope you're all doing well, and I wanted to thank you again because we've surpassed the 500 Patreon members mark.

You're the best, I don't even know what to say to thank you enough…

Anyway, I'll stop bothering you.

Here's the extra chapter since you quickly hit the first goal this week by reaching over 300 power stones.

Ghostrider0002

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-Chapter 17-

-POV Viserys Targaryen-

As I led Aemon away with me, I found myself at a loss for words because I knew I had humiliated him in front of the entire court, as well as his mother and his House, before the whole kingdom and his bannermen.

"I..."

"My uncle, I understand why you accepted my father's return even considering his scandalous conditions. It is important to preserve the peace, and I do not hold it against you," said Aemon as I struggled to properly articulate my thoughts.

I looked at my nephew in surprise and then said with a smile, "I always forget how intelligent you are, my boy. Daemon left me no choice, but I want to tell you that you will never be stripped of your title as Prince of House Targaryen, no matter what he says."

Aemon smiled and said, "I have complete trust in you and your judgment, Your Majesty."

I sighed in relief, feeling a great weight lifted from my shoulders, and then said:

"I have heard many things from the Vale from my small council, but I want to know something?"

Aemon nodded, and I asked, "I would like to know if you have truly found a way to navigate in the open sea without using the stars."

Aemon, surprised, said, "I am surprised that you are already aware of this new invention. I had ordered that no one be informed of this matter. I will have to punish some of my servants who have been too loose-tongued."

"You have little secrets from your king?" I said, half-teasing, half-surprised that he was displeased I had discovered his invention.

"Of course not, but this could bring disaster upon me and my family. With the right ships, some voyages could be shortened by a quarter or even a third of the usual time, especially long-distance journeys," said Aemon, shocking me because this was no longer a small invention but a strategic weapon that, in the right hands, could ruin the economy of some Magisters or even an entire city.

'In the hands of Braavos, this could become an incredible economic weapon. With their tens of thousands of ships and hundreds of maritime trade companies, they could monopolize several high-quality products in several distant cities and make more trips than anyone else thanks to their faster, better-quality ships and this device called a compass.'

"If only the kingdom had it in its possession, we could gain a significant advantage in the markets of cities like Qarth and the remnants of the old Ghiscari empire. We could even trade with the Empire of Yi-Ti," he added.

Impressed by his vision, I said, "I thought the same thing, and it seems Corlys Velaryon is hungry for this thing."

"He's the one who told you about it?" asked Aemon, frowning as he looked at the Sea Snake who was watching us.

'Well, who is watching Aemon.'

"Yes, it's him. I think he plans to cooperate with Braavos. I don't know if you knew, but your cousin Laena is betrothed to the son of the Sea Lord of Braavos. Although the latter is dying, he might inherit the throne of Sea Lord of Braavos, which would make Laena and House Velaryon a significant strategic ally of Braavos, perhaps even the true Lords of Braavos."

Seeing a spark of discontent light up like a torch in my young nephew's eyes, I stopped, satisfied: 'The goal is not for them to hate each other, just for him to be wary of Corlys Velaryon. That man was a real snake, too ambitious and never satisfied with what he had, and Aemon will not fall into his clutches.'

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-POV Rhaenys Velaryon-

"Why does your nephew look at us as if we were his enemies?" Corlys asked me.

"Look who he's talking to and you'll understand."

Corlys thought for a few seconds before frowning and saying, "I don't know what he told him, but we will have to remedy this right away. The situation must not worsen if you still want Laena to be the Lady of Runestone."

"That has never changed."

"Very well, then let's fix this now," I said, dragging Corlys with me.

"Your Majesty, it has been many years since we have seen each other in person. I am happy to see you are doing so well."

"And I as well, Lord Corlys," said my cousin the king with a slightly forced smile.

"I would like to speak to you about important matters," he paused for a few seconds before adding, "state affairs. I don't know if you have a few moments to spare for me."

Viserys was about to refuse when suddenly Aemon said, "Don't worry, my uncle. I will go talk with Aunt Rhaenys. It has been many years since I have seen her."

'What an intelligent boy,' I thought, seeing his false smile so well-rehearsed it could be taken for a real one.