**Chapter 26: The Dreamwalker**

Viserys gently patted his daughter's shoulder and said softly:

"No rush. You still have a long way to go. Sooner or later, you'll learn how to become a ruler."

"I'm really sorry, Father."

Feeling her father's deep love and care, Rhaenyra's eyes turned red, and she took the initiative to embrace him.

"It's okay. A father's role is to clear away obstacles and pave a smooth path for his children," Viserys comforted her, gently stroking her hair.

Hearing her father's words, Rhaenyra felt even more emotional and nuzzled against him.

"Heh, all right, all right. Don't let Rhaegar make fun of you," Viserys teased.

"Hmph, he wouldn't dare," Rhaenyra huffed in dissatisfaction and obediently stepped out of her father's embrace.

"Isn't that right?" 

She shot a threatening glance at Rhaegar as she finished speaking.

Feeling completely left out, Rhaegar thought to himself: *…*

He was at a loss. *The family conversation was going fine, and then you two suddenly got all sentimental. Now I'm just sitting here awkwardly by myself! What do you want me to do?*

Viserys picked up Rhaegar and reminded Rhaenyra, "Don't bully your brother. In some ways, he's far more talented than you."

Rhaenyra looked unconvinced and turned her head aside defiantly.

Viserys smiled and asked Rhaegar, "Tell your sister—what have you learned from this experience?"

"Do I really have to say it?" 

Rhaegar hesitated, glancing at his sister.

"Of course. Exceptional qualities shouldn't be hidden," Viserys affirmed.

Rhaegar nodded slowly and said, "In my dream, I came across a concise phrase: 'Using a borrowed knife to kill.'"

"Using a borrowed knife to kill?" 

Viserys was stunned, pondering this unfamiliar phrase.

After a long silence, he finally chuckled. "That's right—using a borrowed knife to kill."

"It's such a profound phrase, encapsulating a great deal of wisdom."

Turning to Rhaenyra, Viserys asked, "So, do you see your brother's cleverness now?"

"Everyone dreams. Rhaegar's dreams are just a bit more peculiar, that's all," Rhaenyra replied, her pride preventing her from admitting her brother's superiority.

"No, Rhaegar's dreams aren't ordinary. Do you remember the Dreamwalker, Daenys?" 

Viserys's tone turned serious.

"Daenys Targaryen, known to the world as the Dreamwalker, was a girl who saved the Targaryen family through her prophetic dreams," Rhaenyra recited with ease.

Viserys gently touched Rhaegar's forehead and said softly, "I rarely paid attention to you before, but in the past six months, Erryk has reported that you frequently have nightmares."

"I believe this could be the mark of a Dreamwalker."

Rhaegar didn't deny it and said quietly, "Maybe, but I don't like this gift. The nightmares torment me."

"Rhaegar, listen to me." 

Viserys spoke with great seriousness. 

"Our family has produced many dragonriders but very few Dreamwalkers. Compared to the ability to foresee through dreams, what is the power of a dragon's intimidation?"

"All your dreams—whether they are pleasant or nightmarish—might carry warnings. You should embrace them and approach each dream rationally."

Leaning against his father's chest, Rhaegar could feel the slight tremor in his father's body—a reaction he couldn't hide, born of excitement.

Looking up, he saw his father's eyes brimming with tears. 

"When your sister was young, I had a dream that has been etched in my mind, one I've never forgotten."

"I've pursued that dream relentlessly, enduring great suffering and paying a steep price, yet I've found nothing."

Taking a deep breath, Viserys continued, "But now, it's different. You have a healthy body and the talent I've always longed for. I should be satisfied."

"Rhaegar, remember my words. Don't waste your gift or treat it as a burden."

Looking at his father, who was overcome with emotion, Rhaegar remained silent but raised his hand to wipe away his father's tears.

"I will, Father," Rhaegar silently vowed in his heart.

After addressing his eldest son's situation, Viserys realized his emotions had gotten the better of him and decided to end the conversation. 

He instructed the siblings to return to their rooms to rest, as he needed some time alone. 

...

As they left the study, the siblings wandered aimlessly through the long corridor. 

Suddenly, Rhaenyra asked, "Do your dreams really foretell the future?"

"Most of the time, they're just bizarre and surreal fragments that I can hardly make sense of." 

Rhaegar spoke earnestly. 

"Really? So, what have you dreamed about?" 

Rhaenyra stopped in her tracks, crouching down to meet Rhaegar's gaze. 

Uncomfortable, Rhaegar instinctively pulled back, a flash of inspiration lighting up his mind as he remembered the events of last night. 

Feigning mystery, he said, "I had a dream last night—so terrifying it woke me up." 

"Tell me!" 

Rhaenyra couldn't wait. 

Rhaegar rolled his eyes and pondered for a moment before continuing, "I dreamed of a dragon—one I couldn't see or touch. It said it wanted me to be its dragonrider." 

"If you couldn't see or touch it, how did you know it was a dragon?" 

Rhaenyra interrupted with doubt. 

"I heard its roar. It was loud—very loud," Rhaegar replied indignantly, puffing up his cheeks. "Also, don't interrupt me when I'm talking!" 

"Alright, alright, keep going," Rhaenyra said dismissively, unwilling to argue further. 

Rhaegar went on, "But the dragon said it couldn't meet me yet because there's something in King's Landing that disgusts it." 

"What is it?" 

Rhaenyra couldn't hold back her curiosity. 

Rhaegar's expression grew serious. "The Dragonpit!" 

"Why? The Dragonpit has existed for many years. Many dragons have made their nests there—even my Syrax!" 

Hearing that the Dragonpit was the issue, Rhaenyra was baffled. 

Rhaegar continued weaving his tale: "The dragon said it belongs to the skies and the open wilderness. The Dragonpit is narrow and confining, stifling its growth." 

"It also said it refuses to wear shackles and chains, like some kind of slave." 

"Did the dragon really tell you that? Or are you just making it up?" 

Rhaenyra cast a skeptical glance at Rhaegar, clearly unconvinced. 

"Believe it or not, that's exactly how it was in the dream," Rhaegar retorted, shaking off Rhaenyra's grip with a huff. "I'll tell Father about this. I'm sure he won't doubt my dream." 

"Sure, go ahead. But ever since the Dragonpit was built, the maesters have carefully maintained it without any issues," Rhaenyra said, presenting the facts. 

"How do you know there aren't bad maesters among them?" 

Rhaegar said maliciously, casting suspicion on the maesters of Oldtown. 

From beginning to end, he had never liked that group of collar-wearing scholars. 

"Maybe you're right. Father did say you should trust your dreams," Rhaenyra conceded, choosing not to argue further and instead encouraging her brother to value his dreams. 

Dreamwalking was an ancient gift. Every Targaryen who possessed it was unpredictable and defied conventional reasoning. 

She didn't want to discourage her brother's enthusiasm. 

The two siblings chatted for a while longer before parting ways and heading back to their respective rooms. 

--- 

Rhaegar walked forward with his head down, his bedroom door just ahead. 

He was still thinking about being a dreamwalker. 

The system panel displayed the following: 

**[Rhaegar Targaryen]** 

**Talent:** Dreamer (Gold), Longevity (Green) 

**Bloodline:** Ancient Valyrian Dragonlord (12%) 

**Skills:** High Valyrian Language (Mastered) 

**Relics:** Blood and Fire (Fire Resistance +50%) 

**Evaluation:** "A pure and potent dragonlord bloodline. Even in the days of Ancient Valyria, it would have been extraordinary." 

Viserys' greatest dream was to become a dreamwalker and possess the gift of prophecy. 

He had once dreamed of a son of his own, crowned with the Conqueror's crown amidst the flames. 

**(End of Chapter)**