13 Chapter 13

Baal soared through the skies, heading towards King's Landing, following Androw's instructions. He decided not to take Aerea along with him on his journey, as he believed she would be more of a hindrance than help. Instead, he intended to leave her with her Uncle and Aunt. Androw was also curious about the infamous King's Landing and wanted to learn about the rule of King Jaehaerys and the Good Queen Alysanne. With a dragon at his disposal, he wanted to understand King Jaehaerys' attitude toward him. If any other Targaryen had been the ruler, Androw wouldn't have dared to enter King's Landing, fearing they would try to eliminate him to prevent the rise of another dragon lord. But because it was King Jaehaerys, Androw hoped that their respect for guest right would protect him.

As they flew, Aerea expressed her sadness as she looked back. "She is following us. I know she wouldn't let me leave." Androw turned to see Rhaena attempting to catch up with them on her dragon. He couldn't help but wonder where Aerea had inherited such unwavering stubbornness, but it's become clear. Androw didn't dwell on it for long; what she can do, even if she followed him to the end, he knew that if all three Targaryen dragons were to attack him, having Baal by his side would at least provide him with an opportunity to escape, even if winning such a battle seemed nearly impossible.

In a lonely watchtower perched high above the Blackwater Bay, a vigilant guard caught sight of something ominous in the distance. He sounded the alarm with his horn, repeatedly, as the ominous figure drew closer. Dark wings expanded against the clouds, growing larger with each passing moment. It was a dragon, black as night, and it was coming straight for King's Landing.

Androw and Aerea arrived in the city astride Baal. It had been many years since such a colossal creature had been seen in the skies above King's Landing. The sight of Baal, a dragon nearly as massive as the infamous Balerion, filled the hearts of Kingslanders with a mixture of awe and terror. Some whispered in fear, wondering if Maegor the Cruel himself had somehow returned from the beyond to ride this monstrous beast once more.

Baal's immense shadow swept across the yards and halls of the Red Keep as he descended, his mighty wings stirring up gusts of wind. With a resounding thud, he landed in the inner ward near Maegor's Holdfast. Following closely behind, a smaller dragon touched down nearby.

Androw and Aerea carefully descended from Baal's back, making their way onto solid ground. Rhaena, too, decided to follow suit, hoping that Androw wouldn't unleash his dragon against her. She knew that if he had any intention of harming her, he could have done so already. As she approached Androw on foot, she held onto the faint hope that her presence might be enough to stay the dragon's wrath.

However, when she drew nearer, Baal let out a thunderous roar that sent her tumbling backward. Rhaena was taken aback by the ferocity of the dragon's response. Androw, equally surprised by Rhaena's boldness, walked slowly in her direction, his dual swords gripped firmly in one hand. Aerea followed closely behind, her eyes flitting nervously between her mother and Androw. Androw approached Rhaena cautiously, his intentions unclear.

Androw's gaze met Rhaena's with an air of tension between them, and if looks could kill, Rhaena's glare would have struck him down repeatedly. Despite her visible anger, Androw extended his hand in a gesture of courtesy, but she obstinately refused and rose to her feet. As she did, both Baal and Dreamfyre drew nearer, each protector guarding their respective rider.

King Jaehaerys and his royal guard soon arrived in the courtyard, and Jaehaerys's attention was immediately drawn to Baal, a dragon of immense size and unknown origin, one that could seemingly rival even Balerion. Out of respect for the king, Androw bowed and addressed him with a polite, "Your Grace." King Jaehaerys observed the unexpected assembly with intrigue, and his eyes fell upon a stranger amid the familiar faces.

As the king's guards began to advance toward Androw, Baal moved forward protectively, his stance defensive. Androw quickly instructed the dragon to step back, and Baal obediently retreated, but the king's guard remained wary. King Jaehaerys, baffled by the unusual sight of a dragon obeying a stranger who did not appear to be of Valyrian descent, couldn't hide his surprise.