Viserys and Rhaenys finished their discussion in the room, finalizing the general plan of action, and then quietly waited for the operation to begin.
Rhaenys was responsible for reconnaissance using the black cat, while Viserys was responsible for finding a suitable time to deploy the poisonous mushrooms.
These servants and the steward, who already considered the gold their own, completely disregarded the three young Targaryens, with Ser Willem Darry being the only one they feared.
In truth, when it comes to plotting, the more one speaks, the more mistakes one might make; the more people involved, the easier it is for the secret to leak. In the end, it's best just to act.
Rhaenys's Skinchanger talent was exceptionally high, making her a strong ally for Viserys.
According to Skinchanger theory, cats are cruel, arrogant beasts, difficult to control, and can only be forced. Dogs are relatively easier to control.
However, Rhaenys controlled Balerion exceptionally well.
Viserys and Rhaenys naturally kept Daenerys Targaryen out of their plans. Daenerys was too young at the time and didn't truly understand what King's Landing and the throne signified.
As for Viserys and Rhaenys, they had genuinely enjoyed the treatment of a prince and princess before the fall of their kingdom, and they truly understood the hatred for their lost nation and family.
No one could forget what Princess Rhaenys and young Aegon endured, the bloody massacre orchestrated by the Lannister.
"The Mountain, Amory Lorch, Tywin Lannister..." Rhaenys held up her small notebook, filled with the blood-red names of her enemies. "We will have our revenge, Viserys. For my father and mother."
Compared to Robert Baratheon, Jon Arryn, and Eddard Stark, she hated the Lannister most of all.
"Yes, because a true dragon never forgets." Viserys told Rhaenys to put down her notebook. "Hatred will make you forget life itself, Princess."
Viserys looked at his niece; they were a group of people destined to lose their childhoods.
"You don't sound like a king, but like a philosopher." Rhaenys smiled, then put away her notebook.
The two of them consciously avoided mentioning The Mad King's name, as The Mad King was a complete and utter liability.
For Rhaenys, she remembered this annoying grandfather disliking her as a "Dornish-flavored child," and because of the strained father-son relationship, the newlywed Rhaegar and his wife decided to settle on Dragonstone rather than the Red Keep.
Viserys fared no better. As the second healthy prince born after the Queen suffered multiple miscarriages and stillbirths, The Mad King's protection of him in childhood was suffocating. He even forbade his second son from attending his older brother's wedding.
Queen Rhaella tried her best to protect her second son, Viserys, from Aerys's excessive behavior and to prevent him from realizing that Aerys was gradually slipping into madness.
Viserys knew of The Mad King's madness from when his brother Jaehaerys died prematurely. The Mad King, enraged, blamed Jaehaerys's death on his wet nurse and ordered her beheaded.
However, not long after, The Mad King again believed Jaehaerys had been poisoned, and that the poisoner was the King's mistress. Ultimately, the mistress and her family were tortured to death.
"I'm going to see Sir William," Viserys said, and after bidding farewell to Rhaenys, he headed to Rhaenys's room.
The one-eared black cat let out an angry meow, seemingly wanting to pester Viserys a bit longer.
"Quiet, Balerion," Rhaenys said, holding down the black cat, a clever and cunning thief-cat.
Turning to leave, Viserys then went to Ser Willem Darry's room.
The room was already filled with the scent of death; the knight who once wielded a battle-sword was now frail and weak.
Sir William was confined to bed, plagued day and night by the scent of illness—a humid, sickly sweet smell.
But Sir William's hands were warm, and he always called Daenerys "my little princess."
Daenerys stayed by the poor old knight's side, a pitiable little girl.
"Brother," Daenerys called, "Will Sir William get better?"
"He will," Viserys said.
Viserys looked at Daenerys; Daenerys truly had a tough life, and that storm had saved their lives.
In a way, Daenerys was also the most pitiful, having lost her parents at birth.
"Sir William," Viserys walked to Sir William's side and took his large hand, its flesh now withered and lifeless.
"Your Majesty," Sir William, whose life force was fading, said. He wasn't that old, actually. He used to be a burly, gray-bearded man, but now he was riddled with illness.
Though half-blind, Viserys felt that Sir William was a true knight.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, my eyes are failing. Otherwise, otherwise I should teach you swordsmanship and archery, the morning star and warhammer, to face the Usurper on the battlefield," Sir William said, breathing heavily. "I trained your brother well; you too can become a good knight."
"I will become a good knight, Sir William," Viserys said.
"May the Seven bless you; you will become an unparalleled knight..." Sir William said with a wry smile.
Viserys now understood his position: accomplished in academics but lacking in martial skills, a severe case of academic imbalance.
Viserys and Daenerys both possessed considerable cultural refinement, proficient in Valyrian, history, mathematics, noble etiquette, and so on, but their combat ability was weak.
After all, various knowledge could be acquired through books and Viserys's photographic memory. Since his transmigration, he found that the fusion of two souls still had some effect.
However, knight training was much more difficult, requiring an excellent master and a long period of training.
Generally, boys would typically become a Squire or apprentice between the ages of six and seven, then follow a lord or knight, receiving training from a master.
A Squire's work was simple, mostly serving, learning manners and etiquette, as well as general knowledge and skills. After this, the knight would teach him important techniques, such as practicing swordsmanship, learning how to use different types of weapons, how to protect himself with a shield, and horsemanship.
Outstanding Squires would become knights very early, like a combat genius such as Daemon Blackfyre, who at twelve had already defeated a circle of Squires and was knighted.
Viserys, however, faced an extremely long period of inactivity. When he was a prince, The Mad King's neurotic constraints on his behavior were meant to ensure his safety.
When Viserys was born, The Mad King ordered all the gifts sent by the noble lords to be burned. Let alone allowing his son to wield swords.
When Viserys fled to Braavos, the best trainer, Sir William, was already half-blind and half-paralyzed. Sir William had always been the master-at-arms of the Red Keep, with extensive experience, having previously trained Rhaegar.
But in Braavos, most of the time, he could only impart experience to Viserys through words.
So, it couldn't simply be said that Viserys was overly ambitious and impatient; he truly lacked fundamental training.
However, Viserys's horsemanship was quite good, as this was a mandatory subject for nobles.
"Take the little princesses and live healthily. If it comes to it, go into hiding," Sir William said. No grand ambitions, but simple instructions.
Sir William didn't even mention the losses of House Darry or the restoration of the kingdom, but instead concerned himself with the health of the children.
The fall of House Targaryen caused House Darry to lose half its lands, most of its wealth, and almost all its power. Lord Raymun Darry lost three brothers in the Battle of the Trident.
Viserys felt that Ser Willem Darry had discovered something, as Baratheon's rule was becoming increasingly stable, and the Sealord and the Dornish, who had promised help, were as good as absent, offering only words without further aid.
"I will," Viserys nodded.
To live, in the way he desired. But escape was not the only way; only strength could prevail.
"When I return to Westeros, I will exact terrible revenge on House Tully, to avenge House Darry," Viserys promised.
Compared to House Tyrell, Viserys utterly detested House Tully, that opportunistic kneeling faction.
"Leave, Your Majesty, and take Princess Daenerys. This is a sickroom; the smell of medicine is too strong here," Sir William said, noncommittally.
Perhaps in his final moments, Sir William had become numb.
After all, the most loyal to the Targaryen had long perished in the Riverlands and King's Landing. What could Viserys, a second son, do?
"Yes, Your Majesty, you should let Sir William rest for a while," the steward said..
Viserys looked at Sir William; he needed courage and strength, for those who had sacrificed for him.
His unresolved feelings were not for the throne in King's Landing, but for the old knight who had protected him.
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