23 Marriage Proposal

[Baelon POV]

As we walked inside, I examined the passage. It was made out of ceramic material and quite dark in color. It made it to be a little gloomy if one had to count the weather outside.

Although, one thing I liked exceptionally about Driftmark was the shape of the island which was a dragon.

Other than that, the intricacies on the walls and various foreign-looking goods too showed the value of their wealth.

"So... your grace, if I may ask... what is that dragon outside? I never thought there was one larger than Vhagar."

I snapped out of my daze and glanced over at Laena. My words before did not hold lies, she was by far the most beautiful woman I had ever seen after her mother and my good mother.

Maybe I prefer older women. My mind immediately began to calculate and I reached a conclusion.

Since I never got a mother's love, I like older women since they compensate for it. Hmmm, interesting.

I smiled at Laena lightly as I spoke, "The dragon I rode upon is Neltharion, you may know him by the title 'Cannibal' I suppose."

Her eyes widened and even Rhaenys paused as we entered the hall. It was certainly amusing to see their reactions.

Especially Laena, she tried hiding her fear but her inexperience did not let her. Meanwhile, her mother was as stoic as ever.

Laena finally regained her composure and smiled at me. "Oh, so it is the legendary Cannibal then?"

I rose my eyebrows. Maybe I miscalculated. She would make a great player in the game of thrones.

"He is. Lady Laena. He is... maybe Vhagar could make a romantic partner for him."

Laena paused in her steps and smiled rather precariously.

"Hmmm, maybe."

Rhaenys clapped her hands demanding our attention. I tilted my head to glance at the hall and finally Rhaenys who did not seem to have a kind smile on her visage.

"Welcome your grace to the Hall of Tides."

Looking around I saw many accessories related to ships and the seas. Some structures were carved of glass that held a miniature ship inside.

That certainly attracted me. Even the Royal Family does not hold much glass. It is after all lot expensive.

The idea does interest me. Maybe we could hold dragon sculptures in glass. Hmmm... never mind.

I turned my gaze back at Rhaenys and she continued.

"Your grace, this room is known as the Hall of Tides. As you know, the sea surrounds us from almost every side. It holds the glory of Velaryon ancestors and their story inscribed into the walls."

I nodded at her. Fairly magnificent. The Velaryons had thought a lot about their stories of the past.

I smiled, my eyes had turned serious. If I were, to be honest, learning about Velaryon's past does not interest me since I know much already from the books I read.

"Princess Rhaenys-" I interjected, stopping her from speaking. I held my palms tight as I stared at her with a warm posse.

"We are Targaryens. By now, even you must have realized the purpose of my visit. I did leave many hints."

She stared back with an unblinking gaze. Her entire demeanor was cold and her eyes as stony as the seas outside, as if the brewing of a storm.

"Yes."

I nodded. It was foreseen that she would. Queen Rhaenys is an extremely competent woman. It can be seen from how she holds her forte and the Velaryons in the absence of her husband.

"I will be straightforward." I peeked at Laena as I continued to speak. "From what I hear, Lady Laena has no suitor worthy enough. While she is beautiful, she is crossing the age of marriage as well."

I paused for a moment and looked at Rhaenys before continuing.

"I am willing to take her hand in marriage. What do you think of that?"

Rhaenys stood still and didn't answer. Her visage was as stony as before, this time with a hint of ire.

"Your grace, I do not mean to be rude but my husband and me, we wish for Laena to choose her partner of her free will."

I raised my eyebrows. Did I insult her? Or is she speaking the truth? Narrowing my eyes a little I continued.

"Princess Rhaenys... we will be unstoppable. Two dragons of destruction, undivided support from the crown, and the child born between Lady Laena and me will proceed as the next King of the Realm. The Targaryen and Velaryon blood will rule together."

Rhaenys pondered a little and spoke. "Your grace, as I said... the decision rests entirely on Laena."

I looked over at Laena as I spoke with a slight smile.

"If that does not hit the nail in the coffin... I shall head right away to Stepstones and personally decimate the Craghas Drahar's head, offering the Crab Feeder's body as food for Neltharion and his head as a gift."

Both Rhaenys and Laena widened their eyes upon hearing my bold statement. Laena stared into my eyes as if trying to judge if I was lying while Rhaenys had her lips pursed staring curiously from the side.

A kind smile bloomed on my visage as I closed my eyes into a crescent shape.

"What do you think Lady Laena? I... as your husband?"

Laena's eyes were glued to my face with a serious expression and as soon as she was about to speak, a guard entered the room with loud steps kneeling instantly.

"M'lady, Lady Laena... Your grace. Forgive me for interrupting but it is an emergency."

Rhaenys frowned, she glanced at the guard and spoke.

"Yes, speak up. What has happened?"

"Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon have arrived with her grace's grandchildren. They are asking for permission to enter."

I released a silent gasp and Laena's mouth fell open. Sister coming here was painfully surprising. It made me wonder how she had the nerve to do so... that too along with Daemon.

I looked at Rhaenys who sighed, clutching her forehead tightly with a single palm. The situation could not help me more, a chuckle released out of my mouth subconsciously.

I have a rough idea of why she would want to travel the seas just to come to her dead husband's birthplace.

My dear older sister... just how much will you try fucking everything up? Did I not save your honor? Help out my bastard nephew as a token of peace?

Shaking my head slightly. I felt disappointed. If it is what I think she has come for, then utter humiliation is the only answer.

Some people do not respond to peace, words, and actions... it is important to inflict pain upon them.

Laena glanced at me from the corner of her eyes. I could easily feel her gaze, and another chuckle was released from my mouth.

I awkwardly scratched my neck a little. I hope she does not think I am a lunatic.

Rhaenys digested the words of the guard in front and nodded. She glanced at me as if asking for permission to which I nodded.

I turned back towards Rhaenys, who was frowning deeply with a serious look on her face.

There was silence for a few seconds until Rhaenys gave me a curt nod.

"Very well. Go ahead."

The guards opened the door. The children came out first followed by Rhaenyra and Daemon.

~

My deepest apologies for not updating over the weekend. I had an exam on Sat and Sun needless to say was the World Cup Finals. VAMOSSSSSSSSS!!!!!