49 Chapter 49

The night hung heavy with tension as Bahamut's abrupt decision to burn Melisandre challenged Aegon's sense of rulership and the sacred law of guest rights. Aegon, considering her a guest, was troubled by Bahamut's actions, especially since her prophecy mirrored the very reason the Targaryen's had come to conquer Westeros- "a great Winter coming from the far North, casting darkness upon the world, Only a Targaryen on the Iron Throne could unite the realm against this threat."

Aegon, feeling the weight of uncertainty, decided to confront Bahamut. The ancient dragon lay peacefully on the Maegor Holdfast yard, and Aegon approached him, expressing the need to talk. Bahamut, with a glance, responded curtly, asking, "What?"

Aegon, looking down, expressed his confusion, saying, "Pop, I need to understand. Why did you burn Melisandre? She was our guest, and her words spoke of a similar prophecy to the one that brought my ancestors to Westeros."

Bahamut, sensing Aegon's unease, slowly raised his head and explained, "Aegon, the flames of the Red Priestess are not to be trusted. Her visions were tainted by a dark force, a force that seeks to exploit the vulnerabilities of men for its own gain. I could not allow that darkness to take root in our kingdom."

However, Aegon, troubled by the decision, countered, "But she spoke of a great winter, a threat that could engulf the world in darkness. Doesn't that align with the reason my ancestors came to Westeros in the first place?"

Bahamut, sighing, felt a sense of déjà vu as he thought, "Like father, like son." He calmly responded, "Aegon, the threat she spoke of is real, but her allegiance and methods were misguided. The Red God demands sacrifices, and those sacrifices would have come at the cost of innocent lives. I cannot permit such a path, not when I am the guardian of this realm."

Aegon, realizing the gravity of the situation, nodded and acknowledged Bahamut's concern for the realm. However, he couldn't ignore the breach of hospitality laws. "I understand your concern for the realm, Pop, but we could have found another way. She was our guest, protected by the sacred laws of hospitality. Burning her without a fair trial goes against the very principles we stand for."

Bahamut, maintaining his calm demeanor, explained, "Aegon, the laws of men are fleeting, but the laws of survival are eternal. I sensed a darkness within her, a darkness that threatened not only our rule but the very fabric of this world. I could not afford to take chances."

Aegon, conflicted, looked into the night sky. "I wish you had discussed this with me before taking such drastic action. We are family, and family should decide together the fate of our guests, no matter how uncertain.".

Bahamut, with a gentler tone, reassured him, "Aegon, my child, sometimes a leader must bear the burden of decisions alone, to protect those he loves. I acted out of necessity, not out of malice. The flames of the Red Priestess were tainted, and I could not let that darkness consume us."

As Bahamut lay down to rest again, Aegon, silent and contemplative, returned to his chamber, acknowledging that Bahamut acted for the greater good, even though human emotions could be complex. The night settled with a lingering sense of turmoil and reflection.