Game of Thrones: Dance of the Dragons

Last time, the Sea Serpent and Damon attacked the Stone Steps Islands without authorization, resulting in severe looting of merchant ships from the Kingdom and Free Trade Towns.

If this war drags on for another two or three months, not only will the kingdom's finances be unable to sustain it, but the noble lords will likely flock to King's Landing to voice their grievances.

"Lady Linman, I know your concerns, but this time it was the Three Kingdoms of Daughters and Dorne who launched the attack."

"Whether we negotiate peace or send troops to conquer, our merchant ships will still be plundered."

Damon's meaning was clear: don't try to pin all the blame on the royal family.

"Your Majesty, my family and navy will fully support this war. I wonder how many troops the royal family will send?"

Corliss is no fool.

The last battle for the Stone Steps Islands had already resulted in heavy losses for his family's warships. This time, although they had returned to the Imperial Council, they could not afford to make unnecessary sacrifices.

"Stormlands is closest to the Steps Isles, and Bomond is the royal family's most loyal supporter; he will fully support this war."

"Leonor will provide the specific numbers of personnel and ships for the support later," Viserys said calmly.

He knew that the kingdom, especially the dukes and lords, were most opposed to war, and apart from their direct vassals who were loyal to the Targaryens, there were very few who were willing to contribute troops, money, and provisions.

Corliss nodded, shifting the focus of the meeting from the issue of supplies to the issue of offense and defense.

Moreover, once captured, all defensive fortifications must be redeployed, troops must be stationed there, and the surrounding waters must be closely patrolled.

Each proposal requires the kingdom to spend an immeasurable amount of money.

After the general plan was finalized, the crucial issues finally came up.

"Your Majesty, the Valerian navy will fully support the attack on the Steppes Islands. How many dragons will our two nations need to deploy in total to maintain air superiority?"

This is the issue that Corliss cares about most.

The lesson learned last time was already etched in the sea serpent's mind, and this time he wanted to see what kind of attitude Viserys would have.

As expected, Viserys frowned immediately when the topic of sending dragons into battle came up.

To be honest, Viserys didn't want to send any of his three children out, except for his foolish brother.

As the future crown prince, the eldest son, Baylor, should stay in King's Landing to learn about politics.

Although the eldest daughter, Renilla, is a dragon rider, her dragon, Syracuse, is still young and has no combat experience.

Needless to say, Aegon the second son wasn't even a dragon rider.

Moreover, this time they are not facing ordinary pirates, but an extremely dangerous alliance between the Kingdom of the Third Daughter and Dorne.

Their feud with the Targaryen family began as early as the time of Aegon the Conqueror.

Queen Rhaenys, her uncle Prince Aemon, and her father Belron—weren't they all excellent dragon riders and Targaryens?

But in the end, he still died at the hands of Dorne and the Kingdom of the Three Daughters!

Corliss noticed Viserys' hesitation, which made him very unhappy.

The Valerian family is willing to send their entire navy into battle, yet the king and royal family are still hesitating? Still concerned about their own gains and losses!

"Lord Corliss, if we act swiftly and send dragons to sever the Free Trade City-States' connection with the End, how confident are you in taking the Stone Steps Islands?" Beller asked suddenly as he finished pouring the last glass of red wine.

"Corliss raised his head proudly: 'Within a month at most, I guarantee I'll take the Stone Steps Islands.'"

"Very well, let the ministers present bear witness, and our agreement is settled."

Having said that, Beller turned to look at Viveseris, whose face was full of doubt.

"Father, I am the only dragon rider among your children. I hope you will send me as the vanguard, along with Uncle Damon and Aunt Rhaenys, to assist Lord Sea Serpent in conquering the Stone Steps Islands."

"Baelor, who gave you this suggestion?!"

"Do you know how dangerous the Kingdom of the Three Daughters and Dorne are? One wrong move and you could die from poisoning or assassination!" Viserys said angrily.

He would rather send Aegon, who was still not tamed by the sunburn, to the Stepstones than let his most beloved eldest son, Baelor, suffer any harm.

"Father, occupying the Stepstone Islands is not only to protect the family's interests, but also to declare to all disloyal lords that the Targaryens are no longer what they used to be!"

Baylor saw things very clearly.

His father, Viserys, always prioritized peace and stability after taking power.

But if they wanted these nobles and lords to see change, they had to fight a brilliant battle, an unprecedented victory, to uphold the dignity of the royal family.

Moreover, the Sea Serpent's attitude was to force the royal family to send two Dragon Riders to fight, and among the entire royal family, only the Glutton was the largest, apart from Corakshyu.

Once the war is won, the prestige and popularity that Baelor will gain in Westeros will be immeasurable.

"My child, your thinking is absolutely correct," Viserys sighed softly.

Although they were extremely unwilling, if the royal family were to back down, they would inevitably become a laughing stock among all the lords.

Viserys made up his mind. "Lord Corliss, the royal family will be represented by Prince Baelor and Prince Damon riding dragons. What about the Valerian family?"

"Besides the navy, my family will send Renis and my eldest son Leonor to accompany the army into battle." Corliss believed he had shown sufficient sincerity.

Melias and Sea Smoke are among the top-tier combatants among the three generations of dragons and the new generation of dragons.

With three giant dragons and one newborn dragon, plus the Valerian navy, taking over the Stone Steps Islands would be more than enough.

Upon hearing the words "my family," Baylor's expression immediately changed.

"Lord Corliss, watch your words. Dragons belong only to the Targaryens."

"Secondly, now that you have joined the Royal Council, you should follow the royal family's orders regarding the deployment and allocation of dragons in battle."

Don't think Baylor can't see it. The serpent's arrangement is to have the Glutton and Corakshyu, the two dragons, restrain the sea lanes between the Three Kingdoms and Dorne.

His wife and son, on the other hand, could ride dragons to launch a general attack on the Stone Steps Islands, attributing all the credit to the Valerian family.

"Prince, my family is already willing to send its entire navy to help us. Don't push your luck!" The sea serpent stood up angrily.

Baylor was not intimidated at all and immediately retorted.

"Dragons belong to us Targaryens!"

"Lord Corliss, if the Valerian family is truly loyal to the Targaryen dynasty, they should send Lannar riding Vaghar to the front lines of battle."

Varghal is currently the most powerful dragon in House Targaryen, and he can play a decisive role in both venturing into the waters of the Three Kingdoms and suppressing Dorne.

"you!"

"I agree with Prince Bellor's opinion. As the most powerful dragon in the family, Vaghar should go to the front line," Rhaenys said, raising her hand to support the sea serpent before answering.