Because in his heart, Rhaenys and Daenerys were both very important people to him in this world, and he didn't want to hurt them. So for all these years, he had almost always had Ashara attend his bed.
But he had now realized his previous shortcomings; he had overlooked the sensitive feelings of a young teenage girl.
In Rhaenys's eyes, his "restraint" likely gave her an uncertain sense of distance.
Plus, she had been watching the natural intimacy and understanding between Ashara and Viserys, and seeing Viserys's blatant possessiveness toward Ashara.
Then, comparing that to Viserys's consistent affection for her, which always remained within the boundaries of family, her heart was gradually filled with anxiety and bitterness.
Viserys sighed softly; he decided he needed to talk to her properly about this matter. He walked toward Rhaenys.
Hearing footsteps behind her, Rhaenys turned her head, a flash of surprise and bewilderment in her violet eyes; after all, Viserys rarely came to find her personally.
But she quickly suppressed her expression. Then, putting on a slightly reserved smile, she took the initiative to speak to the approaching Viserys, "Brother, they performed wonderfully today."
"Mm, they're looking more and more like dragons now." Viserys stopped beside her, his gaze falling on her face. "However, commanding them is even more exhausting than dealing with an entire legion of enemies."
"You've worked hard, brother," Rhaenys said softly, her hand naturally resting on Viserys's arm as she began to massage it. "Is there anything I can do to help? I mean, besides taking care of Melyas."
"You're already doing well enough, Rhaenys," Viserys said in a gentle voice. "The understanding between you and Melyas is something even I'm a bit envious of sometimes."
Hearing Viserys praise her and Melyas, Rhaenys's eyes lit up for a moment, but quickly dimmed again. She fell silent for a moment, her expression appearing somewhat conflicted.
Then, as if having made up her mind, she raised her head and looked Viserys straight in the eye. "Brother, I'm not a child anymore."
This sentence sounded abrupt, but both of them knew exactly what it meant.
Viserys saw the expectation flickering in her eyes, then reached out and gently brushed her black hair.
"I know, Rhaenys."
This intimate gesture made Rhaenys's body tremble slightly, and her violet eyes were instantly clouded with a layer of mist. She seemed to want to say something, but bit her lower lip instead, simply leaning her head toward Viserys.
Viserys extended his arms and gently pulled her into his embrace. The girl's body was stiff at first, but then it softened, leaning tightly against his chest as she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face deep in his lapel.
Viserys held her shoulders, making her step back slightly so he could see her eyes. "Rhaenys, look at me. I haven't forgotten my promise to you, and I've never changed my mind. You are my most important family, and the one I've chosen as my future wife; that will never change."
Rhaenys's tears finally fell, but she didn't cry out; instead, she even showed a smile.
Viserys wiped away her tears with his hand and said, "The reason I haven't taken things further isn't because I'm unwilling, and certainly not because I don't like you. On the contrary, it's because I care about you too much."
He paused, organizing his words to explain in a way she could understand. "I've seen some records in many ancient texts. A woman's body is like a flower that needs patient waiting to bloom. If picked too early, it might harm her health. You're currently in the bud stage and still need to grow."
Rhaenys listened, only half-understanding, her cheeks flushed, but the confusion in her eyes hadn't dissipated. "But Sister Ashara was able to stay with you very early on."
"Ashara was a bit older then than you are now," Viserys explained. "And, Rhaenys, we still have a very long future ahead of us; a few more years of waiting doesn't matter. I hope my Queens can accompany me through the coming times in their most perfect state."
He cupped her face with both hands, looking into her eyes. "So, give us a little time, okay? When you grow up a bit more, until you're eighteen—perhaps it won't take that long, but at least until your body is fully ready. Let's make a pact."
"A pact?" Rhaenys murmured, repeating his words.
"Mm, a Three-year pact," Viserys said with a smile. "In three years, no matter what happens or where we are, I will officially marry you. Until then, we'll continue as we are, training dragons and living together. Of course, you can come to me anytime; my arms are always open to you."
This promise was like a warm current, instantly dispelling the unease in Rhaenys's heart.
Three years sounded like a long time, but there was now a clear deadline and a promise. More importantly, Viserys's explanation made her realize how much he cherished her.
She nodded vigorously and threw herself back into Viserys's arms, saying excitedly, "Mm, I'll wait for you, brother. In these three years, I'll work hard to improve myself and become a Queen more worthy of you."
Viserys held her, feeling the softness of the girl in his arms, and finally breathed a sigh of relief, savoring this heartwarming moment.
However, this cozy world for two didn't last long.
"Brother, Rhaenys," a crisp voice called out, accompanied by the sound of hurried footsteps.
Daenerys ran over from the other side of the Training ground like a lively little deer. She was already twelve years old and had grown quite a bit taller, but her face still carried some baby fat and an innocent expression.
Her long silver hair was tied into a braid behind her head, swaying back and forth as she ran. She was also wearing a black and red Dragon-riding suit that was easy to move in; she had just finished watching her three Young Dragons being fed.
She was also holding a book in her hand. And although she had called out to Rhaenys as well, her gaze was fixed on Viserys.
Clearly, she had come to find her brother, perhaps wanting to share a story or an interesting passage with him. As a result, the moment she arrived, she saw the scene of her brother and Rhaenys intimately embracing.
Daenerys's violet eyes blinked, her little mouth pouted slightly, and a flash of jealousy appeared that she might not even have noticed herself. She ran to their side in a few steps, squeezed past Rhaenys without a word, and forced her way into Viserys's embrace from the other side, occupying an "exclusive spot."
"Brother, you promised to read with me this afternoon," she said, looking up at Viserys, one hand still tightly gripping his arm as if declaring ownership to Rhaenys.
Daenerys leaned contentedly in her brother's arms, not forgetting to make a face at Rhaenys.
Rhaenys was jolted by the squeeze, and seeing Daenerys's childish behavior, she couldn't help but laugh; the slight unpleasantness that had just arisen vanished. She even took the initiative to step aside a bit so Daenerys could lean more comfortably.
Caught in a "pincer attack" by the two girls on his left and right, Viserys didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but his heart was filled with warmth. He extended both arms, holding them both steadily. "Alright, alright, we'll read together. But let me rest for a bit first; I've just finished training the dragons and I'm a little tired."
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