Chapter 15

Rhaena, her gaze still intense, demanded, "Remove your hand," as Androw supported her to prevent a fall. Androw obligingly withdrew his hand and took a few steps back, his smile not fading, as if saying, "As you wish."

Rhaena then turned her attention to Aerea and said, "Aerea, come with me." Aerea hesitated, casting a nervous glance at Androw, who, with a raised eyebrow, signaled for her to follow her mother. Aerea complied, trailing behind Rhaena, her steps heavy with anger.

As Aerea and Rhaena left the courtyard, Rhaena's dragon took flight, disappearing into the sky. Androw remained, a faint smile lingering on his lips as he watched them depart. Soon, Baal approached Androw, lowering his massive head. Androw affectionately patted the dragon's head from the side.

"Baal, I'll be here for a while. Find a place where you can reach me quickly when I need your help," Androw instructed. Baal responded with a growl and took a few steps back before launching himself into the sky.

Androw stood there for a moment, watching Baal's form disappear into the sky, before turning his gaze around the Red Keep.

With some free time on his hands, Androw decided to explore King's Landing. But before venturing out, he requested room arrangements from the courteous servants managing Maegor's Holdfast. Unlike the servants at Dragonstone, these were much more polite.

After a refreshing nap in his room, Androw exited the Red Keep. His first stop was the Dragonpit, and as he approached, he noticed that the workers seemed to be dismantling things rather than constructing. It became clear to him that the construction of the Dragonpit was complete and that preparations for an upcoming tourney were in progress.

Androw contemplated joining the tourney to gain fame and recognition, hoping to shed his image as merely Princess Rhaena's husband. However, he was uncertain about the entry fee and whether he could participate in the upcoming event.

After a day of exploring the bustling market, Androw returned to the Red Keep as night began to fall. He couldn't help but notice that he was being spied upon, but he chose not to pay too much attention to it, as he had already anticipated such surveillance.

Before heading to his room, Androw decided to make a visit to Rhaena in her quarters. Upon entering her room, he found Rhaena being attended to by servants who were helping her prepare for dinner. Androw leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed, and with a smile, he asked Rhaena, who appeared to be ignoring his presence, "Rhaena, I'd like to talk... alone."

Despite Androw's request, Rhaena continued to ignore him, which slightly annoyed him. Without displaying much emotion, Androw strolled over to the servants tending to Rhaena, and he firmly stated, "Leave." The servants, somewhat flustered, departed after offering a bow, leaving Rhaena gazing at Androw's reflection in her mirror.

Androw watched Rhaena's reflection in the mirror as he continued to converse with her. He returned to his usual, casual demeanor and said, "Rhaena, I want to borrow some golden dragons from you. I hope you can cooperate with me." Yet, she still paid him no heed.

With a gentle smile, Androw added, "Especially since the poor husband you've led away from his own home has now been left penniless, unable even to scrape together a single copper."

Rhaena's response was curt, "Then you should return to where you belong."

Androw walked over to the window and replied, "That will no longer be possible because of you."

With suspicion in her voice, Rhaena inquired, "Why do you need money all of a sudden?"

Androw answered, "For the tourney."

Rhaena, however, was skeptical, asking, "How do you know about an event that hasn't even been announced?"

Androw maintained an air of mystery, stating, "I have my own ways."

Rhaena's doubts were far from dispelled, but she decided not to press further, recognizing that Androw was not willing to disclose more information. She returned her attention to the mirror and commented, her expression emotionless, "I never thought you were interested in betting on the tourney."

Androw corrected her, "Betting is a good way to send your money away if you're certain about the outcome. But I need money to buy armor, swords, and a horse. I plan to participate in the joust and melee of the upcoming tourney."

Rhaena rose from her seat and exited the room. As she left, she cautioned, "Don't get yourself killed just because you know how to hold sword."

Androw responded with a smile, "I'll keep your words close to my heart."

Rhaena, however, paid little heed to his response, having been influenced by her recent conversation with her sister, Queen Alysanne. Uncertain of Androw's true motives, she chose to play along with him in order to unravel the secrets he might be hiding.