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Rhaenys gently squeezed his shoulder saying “You did what you believed was right.
In all honesty, he should be happy with his position, plus the king has invited him to Kingslanding to act as a replacement for the coin master of his court.
He has many opportunities ahead of him, so you don’t have to feel regret for your decision.”
“I know, and I would make the same decision again.
But that doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt him, it’s not his fault he was born a bastard, he can’t be blamed.”
The morning breeze carried the scent of salt across the harbor and for a while neither of them spoke.
Eventually, Corlys broke the silence again saying, “My greatest fear isn’t that he’ll leave Driftmark behind.
It’s Laenor.”
She understood immediately by what he meant, this made her tense up, in fact the calm expression on her face disappeared while saying “You think Aethon blames him.”
Corlys sighed heavily, he shook his head, then said, “I do not know.
And that’s exactly what troubles me.
If resentment begins growing between brothers…our house will suffer for generations.
Rheanys, to be truthful with you….that’s why I keep receiving reports from Lys not because I distrust Aethon, I love him.
And this love is compelling me to be aware of him, if something begins changing inside him…I want to know before it reaches a point where a father can no longer help.
I cannot lose such a talented young man.”
“If he is not to join me…..When this campaign ends, I’m going to Lys.
We’ve spent years speaking as lord and advisor.
A gentle smile appeared upon Rhaenys’ face.
She never expected to hear such words from Corlys.
Was this the same man who was legacy-driven with bottomless ambition?
Or were these actions influenced because he didn’t want his “Talented” son to do anything that would jeopardize them.
After all, he never treated Laenor or Laene like this.
Sure, he loved them, but not to the point where he was deeply attentive to them like he was Aethon.
For now, she wanted to brush it off as him being like this only because Aethon was useful; she did not want to believe Corlys was having favouritism right now.
After all to her it wouldn’t make sense to prioritize a bastard over her children.
Still she said to him “I believe he’d like that Corlys.”
“I hope so.”
Their quiet moment came to an end as hurried footsteps echoed across the dock, when they were near, the person said “My lord.” One of the fleet captains approached before bowing respectfully saying “The fleet is prepared.”
Corlys slowly rose from the bench, grunting, “So soon.
But it seems the tide is with us…..very well.”
The captain withdrew to relay the order while Corlys turned toward Rhaenys.
For a while, the commander of the greatest fleet in Westeros disappeared, leaving only a husband preparing to leave his wife behind once again.
This was a change attributed to his tone and demeanor as he gently cupped her face saying, “No matter how many voyages I make….leaving you never becomes easier.”
Rhaenys smiled warmly before leaning forward, saying, “Then return to me quickly.” She then kissed him softly with a murmured remark saying, “For luck.”
Corlys returned the kiss before resting his forehead briefly against hers.
Reluctantly, they separated.
Without another word, Corlys descended toward the waiting flagship.
Only after reaching the gangplank did he stop.
His eyes swept across the waters before him and the sight never failed to stir his heart.
Hundreds of sails stretched across the bay, their white canvas catching the morning wind while the silver seahorse banners of House Velaryon danced proudly above them.
The fleet blanketed the sea as far as the eye could see, transforming the calm waters into what looked almost like another city built upon waves.
This wasn’t even the entirety of his naval strength.
Many more ships remained behind to guard Driftmark and protect the trade routes that had made House Velaryon the wealthiest maritime power in Westeros.
What waited before him today was merely the force required for the coming campaign which was two hundred warships.
More than enough, Corlys believed, to remind every pirate and pretender haunting the Stepstones that the Narrow Sea still belonged to the Sea Snake.
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At the same time, a gold and brown-scaled dragon could be seen traversing the ocean; this dragon would sometimes let its feet claws pierce the water, creating a small tunnel on the surface of the water before it quickly disappeared.
The dragon roared proudly while chasing a flock of seagulls, but its general direction was towards a certain castle.
This was more apparent when 3 hours later Aethons castle could be seen below the horizon, so it tightened its wings against its body and drove straight down like a missile
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