21 Chapter 21

Days passed, and Androw continued his rigorous training in the barracks, making the Red Keep his own. In the past, he would never have dared to be so shameless, depending on others to this extent. However, circumstances forced him into this situation, pushing him to do things he had never intended.

As he trained for the upcoming tourney, the days seemed to stretch longer than he had anticipated. To his dismay, he learned that Aerea had been forcibly sent back to Dragonstone by men dispatched by Rhaena. An unsettling feeling washed over Androw, fearing that if he didn't see Aerea now, he might never see her again, especially with her own mother seemingly causing her potential demise.

If Androw were to go to Dragonstone, he could ask his master to craft an armor and sword for him. Despite his desire to prevent Aerea's tragic fate, he remained clueless, and more importantly, he wasn't willing to return to Dragonstone. Finally, he decided to visit Dragonmont instead of the Dragonstone castle, contemplating the possibility of taming more dragons than one, even considering stealing the Targaryen's most powerful dragon without others knowing.

Without delay, he summoned his dragon at night in Maegar Holdfast's yard. This time, Baal arrived as a shadow, accompanying Androw discreetly, much like when he hunted dragons in Dragonmont. Before leaving, Androw ensured he passed a message to Jaehaerys about his departure to Dragonstone and his anticipated delayed return to the Red Keep. He was well aware that Jaehaerys tolerated him only because of his marriage to Rhaena and the belief that ultimately, dragons belonged to House Targaryen.

Androw contemplated the possibility that Jaehaerys might be aware of the distance between him and his sister. Perhaps he believed Androw wouldn't have an heir with Rhaena, and if he were to have one with another maiden, Jaehaerys might bring an end to them.

So Androw considered seizing the opportunity extended by the King himself, hoping to gain as much as possible from his current relationship with Jaehaerys. More importantly, his connections with Queen Alysanne and other council members, such as Myles Smallwood, the current Hand of the King, and Septon Barth, seemed to be developing at a slower pace. Only Rego Draz appeared wary of Androw, sensing that Androw wasn't someone who revealed much about himself to the outside world.

Due to this perception, Jaehaerys had erected a barrier between himself and Androw, based on Rego's advice – an unexpected turn of events for Androw. However, the situation was much improved compared to the past, and since Androw was aware of the future, he refrained from making hasty moves to his advantage at the moment.

As Androw soared on Baal's back, uncertainty gnawed at him regarding his ability to tame more than one dragon. Still, he clung to hope that his aspirations would materialize as he envisioned. Baal's wings beat steadily as they approached Dragonstone island, following the secret passage that Baal had previously used to enter Dragonmont. Androw gripped onto Baal tightly, ensuring he wouldn't be struck by the rocky roof of Dragonmont as they passed through it.

Addressing Baal, Androw inquired, "Baal, can you guide me to the strongest dragon on this island?" Baal responded with a low growl, clearly reluctant to comply with Androw's request. Sensing Baal's discontent, Androw taunted, "Are you afraid?" The dragon growled in response, clearly displeased with Androw's provocation. Nevertheless, Androw persisted, urging Baal to lead him to Black Dread's lair.

Reluctantly, Baal acquiesced, and they pressed forward into the depths of Dragonmont.

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Hello readers, I know it's been a while, and I completely forgot about this fiction to the extent that I have to reread it myself to start again. Therefore, I've decided to start a Patreon for this story soon, and to continue updating the fiction both publicly and on Patreon. Please give me your thoughts on whether it's worth continuing. Consider Patreon as a way to ensure that the fiction continues without hiatus or being dropped.

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