The next day, at the break of dawn.
**Bloodstone Isle.**
The wreckage of ships drifted across the sea, smoke still lingering in the air.
Corpses from the battle lay scattered across the shore, blood seeping into the waves, attracting countless fish and crustaceans to feast.
**"Ahhh!!..."**
A chilling scream echoed through the area, accompanied by the sound of nails being hammered in.
Rows of wooden stakes were embedded in the sand, each binding a captured pirate from the Three Daughters, left to be swallowed by the tides and scavenging sea creatures.
**"Screeech..."**
A pale silver-gray dragon silhouette soared in from the distance, circling before descending onto the island.
"Father, the remaining pirates have fled and are hiding on Grey Gallows Island."
Lannino, clad in silver-gray armor, leaped from the dragon's back and hurried toward the blood-soaked figure of the Sea Snake.
After a grueling night of battle, the Sea Snake could no longer conceal his exhaustion. His voice was numb as he spoke, "Deploy patrol fleets, but do not act recklessly."
The pirates of the Three Daughters were masters of guerrilla warfare.
They relentlessly harassed the kingdom's forces as they built defensive structures, yet refused to engage in a decisive battle.
This was already the **sixth** night raid in recent days.
"Father, the fleet from White Harbor will arrive tomorrow. We'll be out of this predicament soon."
Lannino handed over a slip of paper, his expression brimming with excitement.
Ever since the last battle at the Stepstones came to an end, he had been yearning for a grand war—one that would bring honor to both himself and his family.
After all, his *preferences* had long been the subject of scorn and gossip.
The Sea Snake took the note and read it, his stern face easing slightly.
At that moment, a man hurried toward them, accompanied by a squad of guards.
Tylan, his face tense with urgency, spoke rapidly, "Lord Corlys, we **must** discuss the issue of our losses."
He was the Master of Ships, responsible for the logistics and supplies of the Stepstones campaign.
The Sea Snake shot him a sidelong glance and replied coolly, "Lord Tylan, war is costly. I don't see anything worth discussing."
This was already the **fifth** time in three days that Tylan had come to him.
Each time, he delivered long-winded reports on losses and the progress of fortifications—nauseatingly tedious to listen to.
"Lord Corlys, the fortifications were **destroyed again** last night, and countless soldiers were killed or wounded."
Tylan pointed to the wreckage of warships drifting offshore, his voice filled with frustration. "Building defenses while under constant harassment from the Three Daughters only **adds** to the kingdom's financial burden."
"We should **eliminate** the Three Daughters' pirates **first** and then build fortifications—not construct them halfway only to see them **demolished**!"
The Sea Snake, as the Lord Admiral, was solely focused on waging war.
Tylan, however, as the head of logistics, not only had to oversee the battle but also manage the progress of fortifications.
Watching gold flow like water while only a few watchtowers stood on Bloodstone Isle was something he could **not** accept.
"Lord Tylan, please calm yourself. We are not the only ones suffering losses."
Sensing the rising tension, Lannino quickly stepped in to mediate. "The Three Daughters' pirates have also suffered heavy casualties—we've **destroyed nearly ten of their warships**. We hold the advantage."
"The Three Daughters are backed by **three** incredibly wealthy trade city-states. They can afford to lose ships and hire mercenaries with **endless** gold."
Tylan sighed in frustration. "But we? We rely on **one** kingdom's **limited** treasury. The cost of war is not the same for both sides."
As a Lannister, he had a **natural** talent for numbers.
The reason the Three Daughters' pirates were so **rampant** was because the trade city-states behind them were obscenely rich.
If the Three Daughters managed to seize the Stepstones, the exorbitant tariffs and plundered ships would make them even **wealthier**.
"Enough, Lord Tylan."
The Sea Snake interrupted impatiently, his voice cold. "There is no **such thing** as fairness in war. Our situation is what it is—we can only wait for the kingdom's reinforcements."
"I ask you to stop **fretting** over losses. As **Lord Admiral**, I am far **more** aware of our casualties than you!"
With that, he tossed the paper aside and strode away.
Tylan's face turned red, then pale, as he picked up the discarded note and turned on his heel to leave.
Watching the two men walk away, Lannino stood frozen in place, caught between them.
He let out a deep sigh.
---
**Runestone**
Rhaegar woke early, blinking groggily as he opened his eyes.
At the vanity, Rhaenyra adjusted her dress while admiring the Valyrian steel necklace around her neck.
Since receiving it, she had refused to take it off for even a moment.
"You're awake, Rhaegar."
She greeted him happily, her reflection smiling at him through the mirror.
---
**"Good morning, Rhaenyra."**
Rhaegar sat up, rubbing his messy long hair.
"Hurry up and get out of bed. I've told Jeyne not to prepare a farewell feast—we're leaving immediately."
Rhaenyra walked over to the bed and yanked him up, hastily throwing on his clothes.
"I can do it myself. I'm not a child anymore."
His collar got caught on his ear, and Rhaegar sighed helplessly.
"Oh? But adults don't beg for milk, do they?"
Rhaenyra smirked teasingly.
"*Ahem...*"
Rhaegar coughed to cover his embarrassment and obediently let her help.
An Hour Later
After quickly eating breakfast, the siblings bid farewell to their vassals and mounted their dragons.
"*Screeeech...*"
Two roars—one deep, one high-pitched—echoed as Devourer and Syrax took off from Runestone.
In the castle's front courtyard, Jeyne, Gerold, old Ser Glynn, and others watched them depart.
"Lady Jeyne, we should set off as well."
Ser Erryk, clad in silver armor and a white cloak, spoke respectfully.
With the rebellion over, it was time for Jeyne to return to the Eyrie.
At her request, Rhaegar had assigned Erryk and five hundred Dragon Guards to escort her.
This also provided an opportunity to transport and sell goods, opening a trade route from the Crownlands to the Vale.
"No problem, Ser."
Jeyne smiled slightly, pulling a letter from her sleeve and handing it to Gerold.
Seeing Gerold's questioning gaze, she explained, "Send a raven to King's Landing with this message."
Gerold nodded and turned to find the maester.
"Let's go, Ser."
With the letter sent, Jeyne's smile grew even brighter.
In the letter, she expressed gratitude to the royal family and set a date for her visit to King's Landing.
She also subtly requested that Rhaegar be granted a knighthood.
Benefiting from royal favor, Jeyne knew exactly what stance to take.
---
### Evening, King's Landing
"*Screeeech...*"
A massive, jet-black dragon streaked through the sky like a shooting star, circling King's Landing with a deafening roar.
The sound reverberated through the city, drawing countless onlookers.
Nobles and commoners alike gazed upward at the enormous black beast, instantly understanding the message:
**The Crown Prince has returned!**
"*Screeeech...*"
Devourer circled King's Landing twice, unleashing a burst of eerie green dragonfire, displaying the might of the King of Wild Dragons.
Moments later, Devourer descended upon the vast gardens of the Red Keep.
Rhaegar leaped off the dragon's back and grinned. "Jump down boldly—I'll catch you."
"You better catch me."
Rhaenyra stood on the saddle, hesitated for a moment, then leapt down.
Rhaegar spread his arms and caught her effortlessly, spinning her around twice while holding her by the waist.
Syrax was too slow in flight.
After leaving the Vale, Rhaegar had suggested they both ride Devourer to shorten the journey.
"Haha, you're tickling me!"
Rhaenyra laughed uncontrollably as she playfully slapped Rhaegar's shoulders.
"Alright, let's go. Father must be getting impatient."
Rhaegar took her hand and started toward the castle.
"Wait."
(*End of Chapter*)