"You, normally you're like a block of wood, not much better than Hofa, so why are you so diligent today?" Mrs. Diana lay on a lounge chair by the window, with a maid fanning her. She used to be a heroine like Sansala Tarly, capable of riding a horse to shoot deer with a bow and writing ledgers off a horse. No, she still is; she remains the Varezes family's chief steward, no less capable than Ammor. Although her battlefield was still the birthing bed.
"Mother, because this is in front of you." Prince Rhaegor blew on the hot soup sent from the kitchen and watched his mother drink it sip by sip.
"Your father isn't very satisfied with your performance, Prince Rhaegor." Mrs. Diana put down the bowl, still half full of thick soup. She looked gently at her eldest son. This child had followed his father for so many years; filial piety was one thing, obedience was another, but he was a bit naive, or to put it bluntly, childish, and even more bluntly, foolish. This child believed that rules and oaths were above all else, blindly imitating Hofa the Law-Holder, who also strictly adhered to oaths and rules.
Please, Hofa is Dragonzel's subject; he only needs to abide by Dragonzel's laws and commands. But Prince Rhaegor is Dragonzel's heir, the future head of the Varezes family. What kind of oaths is he abiding by?
"I heard what you said to Prince Viserys before you left," Mrs. Diana said, touching her belly. "Prince Viserys came to Dragon Nest City as a cupbearer and squire when he was much younger than you. At your age, he wouldn't have said such things. I also know what you did when Samantha and King Aegon consummated their marriage, Prince Rhaegor. As a mother, I approve of your actions to protect your sister, but as the mistress of the Varezes family, I am very disappointed in you, child. Think about it, if your father wasn't in Red Keep, how would those Kingsguard and nobles have treated you?"
"Mother... but..."
Mrs. Diana shook her head. "If oaths were useful, that war wouldn't have happened, and House Tarly wouldn't have sworn allegiance to the family. If rules were useful, we wouldn't have faced so many things. Prince Rhaegor, your father is right, we have spoiled you too much these past few years."
Prince Rhaegor couldn't refute his mother. His heart told him he was not wrong, but the education he received told him he was terribly wrong. He was not unaware of what his father had done as King's Hand in King's Landing. Prince Viserys's small actions did not deviate from the rules of the game; he could secretly conspire, and Dragonzel was not blind to it. Count Royce Caron of Night Song City recently came to Purple Palace to retire, and his heir, Byran Caron, who grew up in Purple Palace, inherited Night Song City. Prince Quinlan Dayne sent his heir to serve as Valarr's squire, and Earl Thaddeus Rowan, Lord Redwyne, Count Foosway, and Count Tarth of "Evening Star" even came directly to Summerhall to participate in the summer feast organized by Ray.
He realized his naivety and foolishness. The young man lowered his head in shame. He knew his father was not very satisfied with him, but still allowed him to participate in handling state affairs and carefully taught him knowledge in various fields. Although he felt that oaths and rules were important, the woman in front of him, his father whom he regarded as a god, and his younger siblings were also important, even more important than rules and oaths.
But why couldn't he control his own mind?
"Prince Rhaegor, this is your father's command." Mrs. Diana stroked her son's hair. "He wants you to take your sword and armor after your brothers are born, go see the Borderland Principality, travel around Westeros, and then think about what you should do."
Mrs. Diana's voice gradually softened. "Mother has secured a warhorse for you. Child, go see the world outside."
"Yes, Mother."
Prince Rhaegor was even a little surprised. His father hadn't said a word to him after returning to Dragon Nest City, and he already felt something was off. Now he finally confirmed his father's meaning.
It's just an "expedition" across Westeros.
Prince Rhaegor believed he could do it.
Watching her son leave, Mrs. Diana sighed. This child, she wondered if this time he would truly grow up.
"Take me to see Rhaenyra; it's her first childbirth." Mrs. Diana called for a maid. "I need to be by her side."
Meanwhile, at Five Fingers Hall.
Hofa stood beside Dragonzel, bowing his head and saying, "Your Highness, it is my responsibility. I should be held accountable for Prince Rhaegor's current foolishness."
Dragonzel sighed and shook his head. "It's not your responsibility. Prince Rhaegor simply hasn't learned your truly excellent qualities."
"Your Highness, do I need to send someone to follow Prince Rhaegor?"
Dragonzel smiled. "If someone follows him, protecting this boy everywhere, what's the point of the expedition?"
"I understand, Your Highness." Hofa nodded, no longer advising Dragonzel on this matter.
The people of Summerhall once again gathered in front of the Seven Dragon Cathedral's plaza. Dense crowds formed an endless sea, stretching as far as the eye could see. Everyone was praying for Mrs. Diana and Rhaenyra, wishing them a safe delivery of their children.
This was an old tradition in Summerhall. Every time the women of the Varezes family gave birth, people would gather to pray for them.
The chanting of the Magnificat surged like a tide, wave after wave, throughout Summerhall. Everyone was immersed in this atmosphere.
The bells of the Faith rang.
In Purple Palace.
The envoy from the Iron Bank raised his head from tending to the flowers and plants. He was well-traveled in Braavos, but this scene always amazed him.
Countless people, countless hymns, and the roar of dragons echoing through the heavens.
Almost every single one could give a different kind of shock.
"As expected of the Varezes family." The envoy squinted, looking at the sun in the sky.
His ears were filled with the songs that spread throughout the city.
Dragon Nest City seemed to tremble; he heard one dragon roar after another, clearly audible even in Purple Palace. There was Vermithor's thunderous roar, Star Song's singing voice, and Shadow Nightmare's sharp cry.
"High-hat Uncle, High-hat Uncle." Several children raised in Purple Palace ran over. "The bells have rung, it's time for candy."
"Alright, alright." This was a secret signal between him and the children. If news of a safe birth came from outside, the envoy would give these children expensive candy from Braavos—although candy was not uncommon in Purple Palace, the children were very happy.
He was also happy. The Rogare family would likely withdraw their investments soon, focusing on their businesses in King's Landing.
Iron Bank's opportunity was coming.
The children were born safely.
Mrs. Diana and Rhaenyra both successfully gave birth to sons almost simultaneously.
Mrs. Diana's third son was still a beautiful boy with silver hair and purple eyes. Although he was wrinkled when he was just born, he was stronger than his brothers.
Rhaenyra and Ray's first son was a very strong little fellow; his cries almost blew off the ceiling of the birthing room—though that was impossible.
Dragonzel chose names for both children.
Dan Varese, a famous figure in Valyrian history. The name of "The Pathfinder" Dan. He once led the original Valyrian Shepherds to discover the dragons in the Fourteen Flames, and he was the first to climb onto a dragon's back.
Although Valyrian records state that the brave Dan died from a dragon's scorching flame, he ushered in Valyria's glorious era.
Orion Varese, the name of Rhaenyra and Ray's first son. He was the eleventh boy in Varese history to bear this name.
The previous ten, including the fool who styled himself Emperor, were all top warriors in Valyria.
This is a Warrior's name.
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